Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has remained steadfast in the view that star defender Dan Houston will be at Alberton in 2025.
Persistent trade speculation has surrounded Houston in recent weeks despite the All-Australian having a long-term contract with the Power.
Rumours have suggested the Greythorn junior could seek a return to Victoria at the end of this year, with Melbourne named as a leading suitor for the long-kicking backman's services.
The Power have stood firm in stating that Houston is a contracted player and will be with the club next year, with Hinkley echoing those beliefs when speaking with media on Friday.
"Dan's handled it, we've handled it. We've been open and honest with it," the Port Adelaide coach said.
"We just move on, play on. Dan's playing some pretty good from. He looks pretty happy to me.
"Yeah (I expect him to be here next year), he's contracted, he's part of the leadership group.
"He's playing (in) great form, he's in great touch."
Houston would demand a high price in any trade deal, with multiple first-round draft selections likely matching the 27-year-old's value on the open market.
The Power have been linked to similar positional assets at rival clubs, with GWS pair Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman both said to be of interest to the South Australian club.
Both players are free agents and wouldn't cost the Giants outside of salary cap commitments, meaning the Power could look to fill Houston's role and pocket multiple draft selections in the one off-season.
Melbourne currently holds Picks 7, 38, 43, 50 and 63 for this year's National Draft and will be able to trade 2025 selections this off-season also.
Houston rates as one of the best-rebounding defenders in the competition, having polled 66 MVP votes this season while averaging 23.05 disposals, 5.45 marks, 4.9 rebound 50s and 3.4 tackles per game - numbers similar to his All-Australian campaign of 2023.
