Geelong have won the battle for in-demand Gold Coast AFL youngster Josh Caddy.

The 20-year-old midfielder, recruited by the Suns with the No.7 draft pick in 2010, was being chased by several other clubs, including St Kilda and North Melbourne, after expressing a desire to return to his home state of Victoria.

But the Cats secured the 24-gamer by giving up the first round compensation draft pick they gained for losing Gary Ablett to the Suns at the end of 2010.

That pick can now be used by the Suns in either of the next two years.

The two clubs will also exchange other lesser draft picks, with the precise details yet to be finalised.

The Suns now have three compensation picks they can use in future years.

"Continuing to spread the age of our playing group with elite talent ensures we will have a very balanced playing group in the years to come, which is important as we strive for sustained success," Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft told the club's website.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Cats elevated 21-year-old rookie-listed midfielder Jesse Stringer to their senior list, giving him a two-year contract.