St Kilda is reportedly cooling on its pursuit of wantaway Port Adelaide star Dan Houston.
The Saints were among four other Victorian clubs (Collingwood, Carlton, Western Bulldogs and to a lesser extent, North Melbourne) who met with Houston recently as it is understood his desire to return to Melbourne.
The Power are chasing an "early draft selection and another strong draft pick for the 27-year-old playmaker", AFL Media's Cal Twomey said and believed that St Kilda would be able to broker a deal.
"The Saints are believed to have pulled away from the Houston race, leaving Carlton, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs in the hunt.
"North Melbourne, too, has held interest in Houston and put forward its 2025 first-round pick for him, but the Roos weren't part of the clubs he spoke with recently."
What made St Kilda put its pursuit into motion was the idea of the compensation the club is likely to receive for the departure of unrestricted free agent Josh Battle, who is set to join Hawthorn.
The band-one compensation would likely give the Saints Pick 8, which would sit next to their current Pick 7 they received for finishing 2024 in 12th position.
The two-time All-Australian is contracted for another four years at Alberton, giving Port Adelaide the upper hand in any negotiations regarding his future with a rival club.
Ultimately, if the Power isn't satisfied with the offers thrown their way, they could hold Houston to his deal.
Adding to the drama is the fact that Houston is currently suspended and watching his team from the sidelines as they prepare for a do-or-die semi-final against Hawthorn.
