All-Australian star Dan Houston has expressed an interest in joining St Kilda and is keen to make a return to Victoria.
When it first emerged that the 27-year-old was likely to leave Port Adelaide, Melbourne looked the favourites to sign the flanker.
But with the Demons dropping to 14th in the table in 2024 and a potential exodus of Christian Petracca’s players, Houston has reportedly cooled on the idea of joining Melbourne.
Sam Edmund says St Kilda have been in contact with Houston and the player’s move to Moorabbin is an opportunity.
“Discussions have taken place between the club and the player and I understand Houston has some interest in going to Moorabbin,” Edmund told SEN.
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How Dan Houston ended up in St Kilda
The Saints have the seventh, 24th and 43rd picks in the upcoming AFL national draft, with the first-round pick likely to be the starting point for negotiations with Port Adelaide to acquire Houston.
If Josh Battle leaves St Kilda as a free agent to join Hawthorn, the Saints could receive first-round compensation money to use in a trade.
One option for the club is to put the future first.
How will Dan Houston fit in at St Kilda?
Interestingly, the Saints have a wealth of talent in Houston’s best position, with the Power star a 2023 All-Australian selection in his role as half-back flanker.
St Kilda already have twin defensive playmakers in double All-Australian Jack Sinclair and emerging star Nathia Wanganeen Mirela.
There’s a chance Houston could play both of them together, but position changes are likely to occur.
Houston has had success in midfield with Port Adelaide in the past but was not needed in the team’s engine room as the Power have several midfield stars.
The Saints could also redeploy Houston as a midfielder and keep him as a backline rebounder.
Another option would be to use Houston as a playmaker with Sinclair in the middle or Wanganeen Mirela on the wing.