One of the most likely trades of 2024 might’ve fallen over, with Melbourne’s woes sparking a rethink.
Plus where a wantaway Demon could be heading and a young Magpie gaining rival interest.
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‘Huge uncertainty of what Oliver is’ | 01:24
VIC RIVALS ENTER RACE FOR ALL-AUS HALFBACK AS DEMONS SWAP LOOKS UNLIKELY
The turmoil at Melbourne is opening up the race for wantaway Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston.
Multiple reports suggest Houston is reconsidering his preference to be traded to the Demons this coming trade period, with the 27-year-old keen to get back to Victoria.
But their failure to make the finals, combined with the concerns aired by superstar Christian Petracca, ongoing questions over Clayton Oliver’s future and the general unease hanging over the club means Houston is no longer locked into becoming a Melbourne player.
The 2023 All-Australian halfback is expected to broaden his options, which could help Port Adelaide get a greater trade return.
“If you’d asked me two weeks ago, I would’ve said yes Dan Houston is going to be a Demon, but conversations over the last 48 hours with managers and various list managers saying he might actually be weighing up multiple offers from Victorian clubs. Which is a real twist in this story,” the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark told Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight.
“You look at Geelong who need to bolster their midfield talent, Hawthorn would be interested and are plotting some big moves with Tom Barrass as well.
“So yes, Melbourne would love to have Dan Houston but there are multiple Victorian clubs – even St Kilda potentially – who’d love that All-Australian playmaker.
“He’s a very good player Dan Houston but does some of this turbulence at Melbourne just turn him off the red and blue option?”
Clark went as far to say on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle Houston “won’t be at Melbourne next year”.
Houston is contracted for another four seasons and would surely land at least a first-round pick in return.
The Demons, Cats, Hawks and Saints all own their first-round picks, as do cash-strapped Carlton, Essendon, Richmond and North Melbourne. The latter two would be unlikely to part with their first picks given they are on track to be No.1 and No.2 respectively.
If Houston does end up picking Melbourne, he could move as part of a deal for homesick Demon Alex Neal-Bullen.
What is Neal-Bullen worth in a trade? | 01:23
While Neal-Bullen is keen to get back to South Australia, AFL Media reports Adelaide is considered the frontrunner for the premiership half-forward.
The Power have fewer trade assets than the Crows, lacking their first-round pick having sent it to Fremantle in a 2023 pick swap which gained them pick 23 and the Dockers’ 2024 second-rounder – though Houston is more valuable than a late first-round pick.
The younger Crows “really like his character and on-field leadership”, according to Nine’s Tom Morris, with the Power still working through their off-season plans.
AFL 360’s Mark Robinson suggested on Wednesday night Neal-Bullen was worth “a late first (round pick) or early second”.
YOUNG PIE CONSIDERS EARLY EXIT
One of Collingwood’s recent draft success stories could be out the door this off-season, with Joe Richards weighing up interest from multiple rivals, reports AFL Media.
Port Adelaide was named as a potential suitor for the small forward, with the former teacher and Ovens and Murray Football League star weighing up his options.
Richards has a Collingwood contract for 2025 on the table but is yet to make up his mind. Essendon and Fremantle have previously been reported to have monitored his status.
Richards was drafted aged 22 back in 2022, taking 17 months to move from the classroom to an AFL field and impressing in his first three games before suffering a fractured foot. He has been quieter since his return.
Other small forwards gaining interest in the market include Carlton’s Matt Owies, Sydney’s Jacob Konstanty and West Coast’s Liam Ryan.
Fringe Magpies Fin Macrae and Reef McInnes are also gaining attention from rival clubs.
Source Agencies
