A reported trade target for Victorian clubs, contracted Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston has addressed recent speculation over his future at Alberton.
Houston, a product from Greythorn in Melbourne's east, has been tied with a potential return to his home state ahead of the coming off-season despite having at least three more years to run on his current deal with the Power.
The 27-year-old is understood to have multiple suitors, with Melbourne viewed to be front of the queue for his services among the contingent of keen Victorian clubs.
Any side looking to lure Houston out of South Australia would likely need to stump up at least one first-round draft selection to attain the All-Australian, while the Power could rightfully seek multiple early selections should Houston want to depart.
But the long-kicking backman has shut down the latest rumours about his future, expressing his commitment to the Power for the years to come.
"I'm contracted to Port Adelaide and love Port Adelaide,” Houston said, speaking with foxfooty.com.au's Ben Cotton.
"These talks come up this time of the year and this time it's my name. But I'm fully committed to the club.
"That stuff is going to go on outside the four walls, but they've got my back and they've told me to keep focusing on playing good footy."
Port Adelaide have successfully managed to fend off strong rival interest for a host of their interstate stalwarts, with the likes of Miles Bergman, Todd Marshall, Ollie Wines, Kane Farrell and Travis Boak all knocking back opportunities to return to Victoria across their tenures in South Australia.
While able to hold Houston to his contract, the Power could manage to secure high-end draft capital in a deal that would see him depart the club via a trade while also bringing in an experienced defensive asset like GWS free agent Harry Perryman for no trade cost.
Port Adelaide are among the clubs linked to the Giants utility, who is weighing up his future as offers from South Australia and Victoria come for the 25-year-old.
A successful move for Perryman could allow for the departure of Houston, where the Power could pocket a first-round draft selection for a draft they currently don't hold a selection for until Pick 36 - having traded their opening selection to Fremantle in 2023.
Melbourne, for example, has Pick 9 for this year's draft and could package that selection in a deal for Houston, with other pieces to be involved.
It's likely the Demons' interest comes as they look to fill a void in defence, having lost Angus Brayshaw to retirement while backman Trent Rivers continues to develop into a midfield asset.