Homesick Greater Western Sydney forward Cam McCarthy will continue his fight to become a Fremantle player at the conclusion of the 2016 season.
The 20-year-old – who is contracted until the end of 2017 – told the Giants he wanted out of Sydney for personal reasons, but the club refused his request.
McCarthy's manager Colin Young said that despite plenty of effort from the Dockers, his client will remain at GWS after a deal could not be concluded.
"As I said this morning, it was unlikely to be done and it wasn't done," Young told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"I spoke to Cameron and the family and we're prepared for today. He'll go back and do his job. We'll be here next year to fight the same war.
"Fremantle did an outstanding job during the period to try and get GWS to try and engage in a trade. They did everything possible and full credit to them.
It's believed the Dockers offered the Giants an upgraded offer of more draft picks to try and snare McCarthy, but GWS wouldn't budge.
"I think there would've been a lot more (picks). But to Graeme's credit, he had all their bases covered as well with his picks for next year.
"I think he's got three first-rounders and two second-rounders so unfortunately it wasn't to be done."
Young said his client would get back to business and be there when the Giants' pre-season kicks off in early November.
But he reiterated that McCarthy's desire to become a Fremantle player and return to his home state will see the Giants and Dockers revisit the deal in 12 months' time.
"I guarantee you we will be. No doubt," Young said.
Earlier in the day, Young said McCarthy had made his position well known to everyone at GWS.
"He certainly wants to finish his career in WA," Young told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"He wants to play football in Western Australia and be close to his family.
"They (GWS) feel that they can (get him to stay long-term) but I think Cam has had a chat to the coach and the club in saying that he's going to finish his career in Western Australia.
"It's not so much playing football with GWS, it's more so living in Western Australia and being close to his family and friends and some other issues, so there's no doubt that he won't be playing with GWS when his contact is finished."
The exciting forward kicked 35 goals from 20 games last season.