Former Gold Coast suns defender Jez McLennan has returned to his former SANFL club Central Districts for 2023.
McLennan was among a quartet of Suns players that were cut by the club in September, with Matt Conroy, Rhys Nicholls and Patrick Murtagh also not offered new deals for next year.
The 22-year-old joined the Suns as a first-round selection through the 2018 Draft, taken with ick 23 from Central Districts.
McLennan saw his time with the Suns come to an end without an AFL game to his name, however he was a key feature in a strong VFL campaign for the Queensland club this year.
After parting ways with the Suns, McLennan has ventured back to South Australia in a return to the Bulldogs.
“Knowing that I'll be heading back to my roots and playing for the Dogs in 2023 really excites me," McLennan said in a club statement.
"I feel extremely grateful to be able to represent such a proud Club with such passionate supporters. The opportunity to come home with my brother Louie was one that really excited me.
"I have faith in the direction the Club is heading and believe it will be a success filled year."
McLennan averaged 18.1 disposals, 4.7 marks and 3.4 tackles from 21 appearances with the Suns' reserves in 2022.
Central Districts managed a ninth-place finish to their season, recording just four wins from their 18 matches.