Garlett's manager, Tim Galic of SportsMA, told AFL.com.au North had wanted the midfielder/forward to play on in 2013, but he'd decided he needed a fresh start after playing 32 games in five seasons at Aegis Park.
"Cruize was offered a year's extension but after he went away at the end of the season he had second thoughts," Galic said on Thursday.
"He definitely wants to stay in the AFL and can offer a lot to a team that needs someone who can play through the midfield and as a small forward.
"Cruize has thoroughly enjoyed his time at North, but felt he was always ranked down the midfield pecking order.
"So he decided he wants to see what else is out there and to seek more senior opportunities at another club."
Garlett, 23, played just seven games in 2012, but finished the season strongly, playing North's final five home and away games. His best game came in round 20 against Essendon, when he had 21 possessions and kicked 2.2.
However, Garlett was dropped for North's elimination final against West Coast when Daniel Wells returned from injury.
Galic said Garlett would ideally like to return to his home state, Western Australia, but would happily play for any AFL team prepared to offer him a new start.
Galic said teams had yet to officially express interest in Garlett, but was optimistic that would change once some of this year's high-profile trades were completed.
Garlett will nominate for this NAB AFL Draft on the Gold Coast if he fails to find a new home when the trade period ends on October 26, Galic said.
North football chief Donald McDonald told AFL.com.au the club was disappointed to lose Garlett, but understood his desire for greater on-field opportunities and the pull of his family in Western Australia.
"Cruize did well in the games he played this year and was in and our around our top 25 for the majority of the season," McDonald said.
The Roos also look set to part company with ruckman Hamish McIntosh and tall utility Cameron Pedersen during the trade period, with the club likely to reach deals with Geelong and Melbourne respectively.
Key forward Lachlan Hansen has also yet to agree to terms with North on a contract extension, with Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle reportedly circling.
McDonald was reluctant to comment on North's trade week negotiations, but said the club would not deviate from its list management strategies.
Roo forwards Aaron Edwards, Ben Warren and Ben McKinley also remain uncontracted. AFL.com.au understands Warren and McKinley will be delisted if they don't find a new home during the trade period.
Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
