North Melbourne has reportedly placed their first-round selection for the 2025 AFL Draft on the table in a bid to lure contracted Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston to Arden Street.
Houston is signed with the Power until the end of 2027 but is said to be keen to return to his home state of Victoria this year off the back of his second straight All-Australian campaign at Alberton.
The dashing backman has garnered strong levels of interest from clubs in his home state, with Carlton, Collingwood and St Kilda among the sides eyeing the Oakleigh Chargers product.
All three clubs, as well as the Western Bulldogs, have reportedly met with Houston, perย AFL.com.au,ย while the Roos have come to the party in the hope of attaining the 27-year-old.
Reporter Callum Twomey revealed onย Gettableย that the Kangaroos have offered their first-round selection for Houston - a pick that could sit among the opening few spots in the queue for next year's AFL Draft.
"Dan Houston wants to get to Victoria. There's been four clubs chasing him. The hardest? Carlton, St Kilda, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs," Twomey said.
"He's met with all four of those clubs, he met with them a couple of weeks ago on the same day. The issue is who has the picks to appease the Power.
"North Melbourne has offered its future first-round pick, likely a top six or so pick next year. [North Melbourne] hasn't spoken to him. Port wants picks this year, prioritising the pool of 2024 given the draft standard."
The Power are said to be keen on multiple first-round draft picks but could be swayed by the potential value of the Roos' opening selection for next year's intake given the lesser options likely on offer from other keen clubs.
Carlton are hoping to remain at the top end of this year's draft order, while Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs currently don't hold first-round picks for the draft. St Kilda have early picks for 2024 and 2025 and could strengthen their draft hand for November's count if the loss of free agent Josh Battle nets them band one compensation.
Houston isn't the only rival in the Roos' sights as they look to add experience to their list, with contracted veterans Jack Darling and Luke Parker likely to move to North Melbourne from West Coast and Sydney respectively this off-season.
Both premiership players are signed for the 2025 season but could pursue moves to the Roos to help lead Alastair Clarkson's young outfit, with Twomey stating the senior pair are expected to be in the blue and white next year.
"I'd be surprised now with the way things are tracking if both of those (two players) aren't at North Melbourne next year," Twomey said of Darling and Parker.
"Luke Parker is open to finishing his career somewhere else. He's been squeezed out of that midfield but has been playing some reasonable footy more recently.
"The Roos are chasing [Darling] and have a longer offer for him."
West Coast list manager Matt Clarke confirmed the club would be open to parting with Darling, however any move would still need to be permitted by the Eagles given the 532-goal forward's contract status.
Clarke toldย Gettableย the club is aware of Darling's potential desire to find a new home come next month's trade period.
"We had initial discussions with his management group about [a move]," Clarke revealed.
"Jack's a contracted player for next year. He's been a warrior for our football club, he's played almost 300 games for us. His ability to train and prepare is as good any anybody.
"If he and his management group want to explore (the market), we're open to talking about that, as we are with all our players."
The 2024 AFL Trade Period opens on Monday, October 7.
