Collingwood and Essendon Engage in Intense AFL Trade Discussions

Collingwood, Gold Coast, and Port Adelaide are currently engaged in complex trade negotiations involving player Dan Houston, a key asset expected to join Collingwood, according to multiple sources. Collingwood is offering John Noble and Joe Richards in a proposed deal that has yet to satisfy all parties involved.

A source within the discussions, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that Collingwood has proposed including their future first-round pick and Noble in exchange for picks 13 and 23 from the Suns. However, Gold Coast has rejected this proposal. Collingwood’s strategy includes using pick 13 along with Richards in a package deal to Port Adelaide for Houston, aiming to retain pick 23 for the AFL draft.

The trade for Houston would facilitate subsequent deals, enabling Port Adelaide to consider trading their future first-round pick to the Suns for Jack Lukosius. Lukosius, under a $2.5 million contract with the Suns, is seen as a player whom the Suns are willing to offload financially. If successful, Lukosius would receive a less lucrative but longer-term deal with Port Adelaide.

With a week remaining in the trade window, both Gold Coast and other clubs like North Melbourne and Carlton are keeping options open, potentially affecting the negotiations’ outcome.

Meanwhile, Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is making strides in recruiting Essendon Bombers’ forward Jake Stringer. The 30-year-old player has expressed interest in a club switch to enhance his career. This move would align Stringer with a prominent GWS forward line featuring Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene, and Jake Riccardi.

Despite Essendon’s willingness to let Stringer explore options, the Bombers aim to secure advantageous terms in any potential deal. Essendon also seeks draft picks to recruit Isaac Kako, a promising talent expected to attract bids before the Bombers’ ninth pick in the draft. Additionally, the Bombers have shown interest in GWS player Conor Stone, with GWS holding several draft picks as possible trade options.

In other AFL trade news, Geelong has re-signed players Jake Kolodjashnij, Jed Bews, and Ted Clohesy, extending Lawson Humphries’ contract through 2026. The Western Bulldogs have secured Riley Garcia for another three years, and Sydney and North Melbourne have begun talks over Luke Parker, a veteran midfielder.