How Richmond & GWS could factor into Houston trade as Blues emerge as potential favoured landing spot

As far as Port Adelaide understands, Dan Houston’s preference is still to be traded to a Melbourne-based club and his ideal landing spot is Carlton.

Houston recently publicly shot down trade talks, but Sam Edmund believes that was a “lie”, stating that the two-time All-Australian didn’t wish to make headlines while the club’s season remains ongoing.

“I know that the clubs in the mix know that they’re in the mix with a lot of clubs interested in Dan Houston. First and foremost, Dan wants to get back to Melbourne, he’s well and truly in play as a trade target despite what he’s said,” Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

“St Kilda’s offer is said to be very lucrative and as we’ve said before there have been conversations between Houston and Saints list boss Stephen Silvagni.

“Carlton is also at the table and really keen to lure him as well. In fact, there’s a feeling at the Power that Houston’s preference is in fact the Blues. That’s the feeling at Port Adelaide.

“Key to all of this is Port Adelaide doesn’t have a first round pick, and it is a very good draft. They want a foothold in the draft and this is where Houston comes into it.”

Edmund believes Port Adelaide’s ability to land a replacement for Houston in the trade period will play a role in whether they’re willing to part ways with the contracted star.

“The Power would be more inclined to let Dan Houston go if the Power can land one or both of GWS free agent pair Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman. They’ve got a decision to make,” he said.

“If Port Adelaide can get one of them, I think it’s absolutely game on.”

Carlton wants to take its first round pick to the draft this year and could involve a third party to get a Houston trade over the line.

“The Saints have pick seven and the Silvagni family connection through Steve, but he’s one of Jack Silvagni’s best mates and was in his bridal party only last year,” Edmund said.

“The Blues have pick 11. Now, Carlton wants to take pick 11 to the draft, so you’d be fair to think ‘how the hell can they get Houston in?’.

“This is where Richmond comes in, I think. If the Blues give their future 1st and send it to Richmond and the Tigers won’t want half a dozen first round picks in the one draft this year with the exodus taking place.

“The Blues could help them there and get a first round pick back this year from the Tigers. There would need to be more to the deal and swaps and the rest of it. This in my mind would form the spine of an exchange between Carlton and Port Adelaide.”

Houston has made All-Australian teams in 2023 and 2024 and SEN’s Dan Hannebery stated on Sunday that he was the “missing link” for Carlton.

He will not be able to play in the opening two rounds of next season (pending Port's finals run) as things stand due to a five-game ban handed down by the MRO.