AFL Trade Period: Dan Houston’s Future Uncertain as Clubs Vie for Key Deals

The competition to acquire Dan Houston and Pick 13 has intensified, with Collingwood, Carlton, and North Melbourne all vying for the dual All-Australian’s services. This development follows Houston’s request for a trade back to Victoria, despite being contracted with Port Adelaide until 2027.

Port Adelaide has indicated its openness to negotiate a deal for Houston but insists on adequate compensation. Gold Coast’s Pick 13 is seen as crucial for both Collingwood and Carlton due to respective first-round draft pick constraints.

Gold Coast Suns list manager, Craig Cameron, emphasized their interest in collaborating with Collingwood, owing to their attempts to secure John Noble. Cameron remarked on AFL Trade Radio that Pick 13 has become “pretty popular,” suggesting discussions with Collingwood are ongoing, especially in relation to Noble.

Justin Leppitsch, Collingwood’s list manager, expressed confidence in securing Houston, stating, “We are confident. We want to bring him into our footy club, but I guess we’ve got to get the deal done.”

Carlton’s list boss, Nick Austin, voiced reluctance to trade their first-round draft pick, reflecting commitment to the upcoming draft’s talent. “We’ve been really clear with our first pick, we’re taking it to the draft,” Austin affirmed.

Kangaroos’ list manager Brady Rawlings highlighted the club’s willingness to negotiate with Port, having offered a future first-round pick among other assets. “We’d like to be in the race,” Rawlings stated, underscoring the club’s strategic positioning.

As the trade period commenced on Monday, additional player movements were confirmed, with Alex Neal-Bullen joining Adelaide and Jack Darling moving to North Melbourne. Furthermore, Gold Coast looks to incorporate Magpies defender John Noble, potentially placing Pick 13 on the table.

Houston remains one of the most notable players available, with interests extending to Richmond defender Daniel Rioli and other players such as Shai Bolton and Bailey Smith seeking new affiliations. As negotiations progress, clubs continue to balance immediate goals against longer-term strategies. This ongoing situation is expected to evolve as discussions advance closer to the October 16 deadline.