Collingwood is increasingly cautious about the rising value of Gold Coast’s coveted Pick 13, which plays a crucial role in their pursuit of securing Dan Houston from Port Adelaide. As negotiations unfold, the Magpies find themselves in discussions not just with the Power but also with the Suns, involving various player trades, including Joe Richards moving to South Australia and John Noble heading to Queensland.
Collingwood’s list manager, Justin Leppitsch, expresses optimism about landing Houston but acknowledges the complexities involved in finalizing the arrangement. “We’re hoping to get it done, but it’s not going to be easy. The tricky part lies in reaching a consensus among all parties involved,” Leppitsch shared during an interview with AFL Trade Radio. He pointed out that the contracted players have the option to stay where they are, giving them leverage in negotiations.
Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing interest from both North Melbourne and Carlton in Houston, particularly after Carlton secured a first-round selection from Hawthorn in a recent trade. This has put added pressure on Collingwood, which is striving to make a compelling case for Houston’s acquisition, despite the lack of a definitive club choice from the player himself.
The stakes are rising as the interest in Gold Coast’s first-round selection has intensified. “It’s becoming complicated and at times messy,” Leppitsch admitted. Initially, Pick 13 seemed a straightforward component of the trade, but with multiple clubs vying for it, Gold Coast is now aware of its substantial value. “Whoever secures that pick can leverage it in numerous ways, making it much more than just a standard selection,” he explained.
Furthermore, Collingwood is also keeping an eye on their draft strategy for 2025, where they anticipate needing to consider potential father-son selections, particularly Tom McGuane, son of the legendary Mick McGuane. As these negotiations continue, the landscape of the trade period remains dynamic, with many variables at play that could impact the future of these clubs and their aspirations.