Contracted Port Adelaide swingman Dougal Howard is on the radar of multiple Victoria clubs as reports continue to surface of interested clubs.
Tom Browne spoke on Triple Mโs Hot Breakfast about the interest in the 23-year-old: "Dougal Howardโs an interesting one, there are six clubs chasing him including North, St Kilda and at one point last week, Collingwood."
Howard is contracted until 2022, but he played out the season in the SANFL with the Power now seeing him more as a forward after predominately playing as a defender previously.
North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw says Howard appeals to the club on the back of Scott Thompson's retirement, which leaves Robbie Tarrant as North's sole experienced tall defender.
"We need a key back and Dougal, obviously, fits that mould for us but there are a couple of other players in that area we might have a look at," Shaw told afl.com.au.
"We're looking to fill that need down back, so that will be the primary spot for him (if he played for the Roos).
"He's weighing up his options, as a lot of players are, and we'll just see how it pans out. I can't comment anymore, because that's where it sits โ he's contracted to Port Adelaide."
St Kilda football boss Simon Lethlean also confirmed his club was "certainly" interested in Howard should Howard choose to explore his options.
Unlike Shaw, however, Lethlean is open about Howard filling a key-position role at either end of the ground, rather than solely in defence.
"If Dougal wants to come to the Saints, he fits in as a key position โ whether that's back or forward," Lethlean told afl.com.au.
"He can probably play as a swingman as well, so he'd fit nicely with (Jake) Carlisle, (Max) King and others. He's a pretty impressive player and kid.
"He's captained his club this year, so it shows the leadership he's got. He'd be a good get if he wants to come to Victoria, but I don't think he's decided yet."
