The news comes as Trent announced his retirement from the NPL on the weekend, fittingly playing his final game for Moreland City against Northcote City on Saturday – the club he made his name at over seven seasons, scoring 107 goals.

Trent won the Golden Boot in Northcote’s first season in Victorian Premier League, finishing with 19 goals.

He last played with Kade in the 2004 AWFA cup final for Lavington Panthers against Albury United, before making the move south.

“I went down there on the weekend and watched him and I’ve got no doubts he could have gone another couple of years down there if he wanted to,” Kade said.

“He went down to Melbourne as a 19-year-old and eventually settled with Northcote City, before finishing with Moreland City.

“Talking to him on the weekend, he said he couldn’t find two better clubs which is a bonus.”

Kade had been in contact with his brother in recent months about the possibility of a return home and “can almost guarantee it will happen next year.”

“It’s a bit more attractive for him to come home and play because his wife’s family and his family is obviously here as well, so it will be great for him to see everyone on a more regular basis,” Kade said.

Kade is more than likely to step away from the top job at Melrose next season, saying he would ideally like to play a combination of soccer and football alongside Trent.