Collingwood's ambitious ask for wantaway defender John Noble has been revealed as new list manager Justin Leppitsch makes his presence known.
Leppitsch - who was known for his uncompromising ways as a premiership defender for Brisbane in the early 2000s - has taken his skillset to the football department and is a key figure in shaping the Pies' list for 2025.
Shortly after the year ended for the 2023 premiers, Noble revealed his desire to head north and play for Gold Coast in Queensland to be closer to family, a state that occupies his father (David - former North Melbourne coach) and brother.
It was understood that the Pies have shot for the moon and have asked the Suns for Pick 12 in this upcoming draft, according toย AFL Media's Cal Twomey,ย which would help the club get back into the first round after selling its future selection (last year) to secure Lachie Schultz from Fremantle.
Albeit Gold Coast is likely to shirk at the idea of handing over one of their three first-round selections for Noble, it could assist Collingwood in landing a big fish.
Port Adelaide star Dan Houston's desire to return to Victoria has been widely documented, with links to both St Kilda and Carlton.
The Saints and Blues appear as leading favourites if the two-time All-Australian were to depart Alberton, but could the Pies swoop in?
The Power's early request for two first-round selections in exchange for Houston might be hard to satisfy, but an exchange of later picks could get the deal done.
Given the depth of the 2024 draft, Port Adelaide is desperate to get into it, with their first selection coming at 37 (pending father-son and academy bids).
So, if Collingwood were to offer Pick 12 (Gold Coast's selection for Noble) and a future first, is there a world where the 27-year-old is in black and white?
Josh Daicos and Houston attended high school together and featured for the Oakleigh Chargers throughout their junior years, which could play a role in the negotiations.
However, the decision-makers at the Pies must tread with caution if they were to go down this path, as questions have arisen over their emerging youth.
Selling future selections hasn't always worked out, and the depth of the club is quickly becoming an issue.
Aside from Nick Daicos and Bobby Hill, the talent is relatively bare under the age of 25 due to a lack of opportunity in the senior side.
Harvey Harrison, Ed Allan and Ned Long have shown a bit throughout 2024, while Finlay Macrae and Reef McInnes have battled since being scooped up in the draft four years ago.
Houston is contracted (until the end of 2028) at the Power, and therefore, they hold the upper hand.
Carlton is reportedly making a similar play for the rebounding defender, while St Kilda is hoping that Josh Battle's compensation (Pick 7 or 8) is enough to get them through to the table.
The decisions of GWS duo Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman also play a vital role.
If Port Adelaide were to secure at least one of the Giants defenders, their reluctance to let Houston go would diminish.
