The opening day of the AFL trade period is filled with angst and intrigue over which players will move clubs.

Port Adelaide's Dan Houston has filled the media more often than not over the past two months, given his desire to return to Melbourne after nine years at Alberton.

Houston is contracted for another three seasons and is content to remain put if a deal cannot be struck.

All 18 clubs met at league headquarters to get proceedings underway, with Carlton and Collingwood list bosses weighing up their moves to attract the two-time All-Australian.

"He hasn't nominated a club, but I'm assuming we're in the mix," Blues list manager Nick Austin said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Dan Houston of Port Adelaide warms up before the round four AFL match between Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 08, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

The Blues are keen on holding the first-round selection, which has blown out to 12 following the Josh Battle-St Kilda compensation, whilst adding to their draft hand to secure Houston.

Carlton is also expecting to hold enough draft capital to secure the Camporeale twins (Ben and Lucas).

"Bit of run, bit of ball use," Austin added about where the interest in the 27-year-old came from.

"Guilty of a few times, particularly late in the year, when things aren't going our way, of going too straight. So, the ability to take the ball off the lines is important.

"We've also been clear from the start that we want to go to the draft and that our pick, which is Pick 12 now, is in a really good spot.

"Quality kids that can address needs, and there's lots to choose from so that next pick is important as well. But we haven't put anything to the Suns yet.

"And I'm sure Collingwood will be in the mix as well."

The Pies may have jumped into the queue following small forward Joe Richards's trade request to Port Adelaide, which can help broker a deal between the two clubs.

Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch also didn't mince his words as he declared their interest in bringing Houston to the AIA Centre, but also how a deal would get done.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: John Noble of the Magpies kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 02, 2022, In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"Very," Leppitsch said on the opening day of the 2024 AFL Trade period.

"Dan plays for Port, and Joe plays for us. We haven't spoken to Port Adelaide face-to-face. But there's a lot to play out."

Part of the discussion will surround John Noble, who has expressed his desire to join Gold Coast despite being contracted for another two years.

It has been reported that the Pies have offered Noble and their future first-round pick for selections 13, 23 and 29 from the Suns.

Collingwood could then on-trade Pick 13 and a second-round pick alongside Joe Richards for Houston, while an array of late picks could come back.