Collingwood have joined Carlton and St Kilda in an effort to convince All-Australian defender Dan Houston to leave Port Adelaide at season’s end despite the likelihood of a trade remaining small.
The suspended Houston told South Australian radio last Friday he would be at Port Adelaide next year after speaking to the Magpies and the Blues while in Melbourne for the AFL awards night last week.
Two industry sources, who preferred to remain anonymous because they were not authorised to speak, confirmed discussions had occurred as part of a due diligence process, although Houston is aware that he is most likely to be retained by Port Adelaide, where he is happy.
“I love the place. I love the football club and the football club has been good to me, so I am committed to Port Adelaide,” Houston told 5AA.
Port Adelaide were after two first-round selections for the dual All-Australian, which looked possible when Melbourne were interested, however Houston cooled on that plan as the Demons endured the turmoil relating to Christian Petracca’s strong stance that the club needed to address ongoing issues.
Port Adelaide don’t want to lose Houston but saw the chance to get into a deep draft and fill his position with unrestricted free agent Harry Perryman if Houston was determined to return to Victoria.
The Magpies traded out their 2024 first-round selection for Lachie Schultz last year but will negotiate with Gold Coast after defender John Noble requested a trade, making it difficult for them to come up with a package suitable for Port Adelaide.
Collingwood’s Joe Richards is weighing up an offer from Port Adelaide, which could form part of a Magpies offer to the Power.
Carlton have also been adamant they will use a first-round selection in the strong national draft, however Houston’s links with coach Michael Voss keep the Blues in the conversation.
St Kilda remain in the hunt having lost Josh Battle to Hawthorn, but it’s unclear what compensation they will receive from the AFL for the defender.
St Kilda hold pick seven in this year’s draft and might be able to convince Port Adelaide to trade Houston if the Saints gain an extra pick within the first round.
They had earlier contacted Houston as part of their due diligence when it became clear the Demons were no longer in the race.
