Four clubs are said to be the most keen on acquiring wantaway Port Adelaide defender Daniel Houston this year, with the chances of a trade looming likely following his request to return to Victoria.
Houston remains open to staying at Alberton if no club can satisfy the Power's demands, but the dual All-Australian isn't short on suitors as a quartet of clubs scramble to attain the capital needed to make a strong enough play for the rebounding backman.
Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are viewed to be the clubs hoping to pry Houston, but given none of them are expected to have their 2024 first-round picks on the table it makes for an interesting few weeks before the trade period's opening.
Holding Pick 11 for November's count, the Blues are said to be reluctant to part with their top selection in a deal that could help them acquire Houston, with the Princes Park club wanting to remain at the top end of this year's draft order given the high quality of teenagers coming through this year's pool.
Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs don't currently hold first-round selections after making deals in last year's trade space, while North Melbourne's Pick 2 is unlikely to be up for grabs by any means.
The situation leaves three of the four clubs likely needing to get creative and acquire first-round draft picks for this year or the 2025 draft, with their top future picks also likely needing to be packaged to settle a deal with the Power for Houston.
A pair of future picks could be enough to appease Port Adelaide, while it's North Melbourne's future first-round selection alone that could be enough to strike a deal.
Given Houston's desire to move east and his willingness to remain at Alberton if a deal falls short, a preferred landing spot in his pursuit to find a new home is less likely, giving all four clubs an equal shot at the 27-year-old.
So what can all four rivals offer to satisfy the South Australians?
As mentioned, the Roos might have enough already at their disposal with their opening pick for the 2025 season - a selection that would likely be valued as a top five selection for next year's intake - up for grabs.
With local midfielder Dyson Sharp among the top draft names come the new year, the Power could be pleased with the Roos' pick with an eye on the Central District sensation.
Carlton, should they remain steadfast in holding Pick 11, will need to get creative to find a first-round pick that can be packaged with its 2025 counterpart while they also keep the needed draft points to match potential bids for father-son duo Ben and Lucas Camporeale at this year's draft.
The potential departures of Matthew Kennedy, Lewis Young and Matthew Owies could play a part in helping the Blues this off-season, with all three permitted to look elsewhere during the player movement period.
While able to walk from the Blues given his contract status, Owies could be a desirable piece in a trade that sees Houston go the other way. The Power have shown a need for small forward assets in 2024, and Owies could be an astute addition after a career-best year that has somehow not warranted a new deal at Carlton.
Coupled with a future first-round selection and potentially a later round pick as well, Owies might just be a central asset in Carlton's play.
Collingwood are in a similar position, with the Magpies set to rely on the loss of John Noble to Gold Coast before being able to ramp up talks with Port Adelaide over a Houston deal.
Noble is expected to land at the Suns during the trade period, with the Queensland club loaded with valuable picks they will be open to parting with. Within their draft hand are Picks 12, 20 and 26, with one of the three selections potentially landing at Collingwood in exchange for Noble and maybe a draft selection - depending on what Suns pick is moved on.
If the Magpies can package Pick 12 and a future first-round selection, that could be enough to get a deal over the line for Houston.
VIEW: CURRENT 2024 AFL DRAFT ORDER
The Bulldogs are expected to return to the first round of this year's draft order queue with the imminent loss of midfielder Bailey Smith, whose most likely destination is said to be Geelong.
The Cats can offer Pick 15 for the Bulldogs youngster, who is recovering from a year on the sidelines. That selection, with other assets potentially changing hands, might be enough to see Smith head to Kardinia Park in October.
It would also place the Bulldogs in a position to offer Pick 15 and their future first-round selection to the Power for Houston.
The Kangaroos' 2025 pick might just be the most valuable option there is on the open market for the Power, who are currently without a pick for opening night this year and may also be required to part with their own top pick for next year in a deal that sees Jack Lukosius head to Port Adelaide.
Port Adelaide are also in the market for GWS pair Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman, who would come at no cost to their draft capital given their status as unrestricted free agents.
An off-season that sees the club pocket multiple first-round picks - or a top selection for 2025 - as well as two mature defensive options might be a net positive overall for Port Adelaide.
