As the second week of the AFL trade period unfolds, the competition for Dan Houston intensifies, with Essendon now reportedly in the mix for the All-Australian defender. According to AFL.com’s Cal Twomey, the primary contenders for Houston’s services have been narrowed down to North Melbourne and Collingwood, both of whom are eager to secure the talented player from Port Adelaide.
Recent reports from The Age suggest that Essendon’s strategy may involve trading their coveted Pick 9 to North Melbourne in exchange for a future first-round pick. Should North accept this deal, it would significantly enhance their position in the ongoing bidding war for Houston. This maneuver not only strengthens North’s bargaining stance but also complicates the efforts of other clubs, including Collingwood and Carlton, who are also pursuing the defender.
Collingwood is reportedly eyeing the Gold Coast’s Pick 13 as a crucial element of their trade package for Houston. However, they face tough competition from several other clubs, including Melbourne, who are also interested in acquiring this pick. As Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch explained on AFL Trade Radio, the negotiations have been “complicated and messy,” as multiple parties, including Gold Coast, are involved. Leppitsch expressed concerns about jeopardizing Collingwood’s future for a single player, emphasizing that the club’s long-term health is paramount amidst Port Adelaide’s steep demands.
In the mix, Carlton has also entered the fray with their Picks 12 and 14, obtained from a recent trade with Hawthorn. The Blues might leverage these picks to create an attractive offer for Houston, although there is a possibility they will opt to retain at least one first-round selection to maintain flexibility in the upcoming draft. This strategy could serve Carlton well, especially if negotiations with other clubs falter.
While North Melbourne contemplates the potential benefits of holding multiple top-10 draft picks, including the possibility of using Essendon’s Pick 9 as leverage, it remains uncertain whether Houston will end up with them or any of the other interested clubs. Houston has not yet indicated a preferred destination, leaving Port Adelaide in a strong position to dictate terms. His ongoing contract gives the club significant control over the trade process, adding another layer of complexity to an already competitive landscape.
As the trade period nears its conclusion, Houston’s future is still up in the air. His camp is diligently assessing all options, aiming to find the best deal for Port Adelaide while also considering Houston’s desire to return to Melbourne. In the coming days, the outcome will hinge on whether Collingwood’s aggressive pursuit or North Melbourne’s strategic draft plan ultimately prevails.