Port Adelaide forward Dan Houston finds himself in a tricky position as multiple clubs vie for his signature.
While Collingwood seems poised to secure him by acquiring pick 13 from Gold Coast to facilitate the deal, Houston reportedly has his sights set on joining Carlton instead.
As of Monday, he had yet to officially nominate a preferred club. Additionally, North Melbourne is also expressing interest in Houston, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“‘Doesn’t Rate Them’: Cornes Slams ‘Rubbish’ Sales Tactics of Bulldogs List Manager!”
Kane Cornes has expressed frustration with the sales tactics employed by Western Bulldogs list manager Sam Power as he attempts to negotiate trade deals for players who don’t appear to align with coach Luke Beveridge’s valuation. With the trade window officially opening on Monday, Power was actively promoting the strengths of Bailey Smith to the Cats, Jack Macrae to the Saints, and Caleb Daniel to the Kangaroos. However, Cornes highlighted a disconnect between Power’s pitches and the way these players have been utilized under Beveridge’s coaching.
Buckley stunned by King salary
Buckley expressed his disbelief during an appearance on SEN Breakfast, questioning the rationale behind the hefty salary. “Why would they sign him to that? St Kilda would not, could not, have done it,” he remarked. “If it was $650,000-$700,000, then you could play with it — oh my god.”
Kane Cornes also raised concerns about the timing of the deal, noting that King was already under contract for several more years and has faced serious injuries recently. Buckley added, “I think there is an argument that they are more versatile without him, which makes his signing even more interesting.”
He speculated that the contract was likely structured on St Kilda’s terms, providing King with a long-term show of faith, albeit not at such a high salary level.
Giants meet with Stringer
Despite limited interest from other clubs, the Giants are said to still be in the mix. Essendon list manager Matt Rosa commented on Monday, “He has got a deal for us next year and that is where it sits. (He) had a really good season this year, and there has been some interest in Jake. We’ll see where that lands and will keep in constant contact with Jake’s management.”
Rosa acknowledged the discussions surrounding Stringer’s tenure but emphasized that the club will continue to navigate the situation.
Cornes blows up at Dogs list boss
Kane Cornes has criticized Bulldogs list manager Sam Power for hyping up players who seem to be undervalued by coach Luke Beveridge. Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, and Caleb Daniel are all expected to exit the Bulldogs during this trade period.
“Bailey Smith is a good player, but Luke Beveridge was using him at half-forward. He couldn’t even break into the midfield, which was highly frustrating for him,” Cornes remarked on Trade Radio.
Power claimed Smith is a “great player” who influences games and is marketable, but Cornes dismissed this, pointing out how Beveridge utilized him when he was fit.
Cornes also took issue with Power’s description of vice-captain Daniel as a “really valuable player.” “A really valuable player who you’ve put into the VFL eight times? This is rubbish,” he said. “If you want Caleb Daniel, you should be playing him. If they’re not going to play him, don’t talk him up like he’s some influential player that your coach doesn’t rate!
“The facts are simple: Smith, McRae, and Daniel are not rated by your coach. Don’t keep promoting them as superstars who are crucial to your club.”
Kane Cornes was not pleased with the performance of Melbourne list boss Tim Lamb during yesterday’s media interactions.
Lamb became defensive when questioned about Clayton Oliver and insisted that the club never contemplated parting ways with the troubled midfielder.
Oliver issue ‘put to bed’
Demons list manager Tim Lamb has addressed a week of speculation surrounding Clayton Oliver’s potential move for the 2025 season.
Oliver had met with Geelong officials after feeling “unloved” at the Demons, and rumors about his departure resurfaced, echoing similar whispers from a year ago.
On Friday night, interim president Brad Green attempted to quell the rumors during his speech at the club’s end-of-season dinner, but speculation persisted as the trade period opened on Monday.
Demons ripped over Oliver ‘shambles’
Clayton Oliver appears set to remain with Melbourne despite seeking a trade for the second consecutive year.
On Monday, Demons list boss Tim Lamb became defensive when questioned about the ongoing speculation, insisting that Oliver has never been put on the trading block, even after the star met with Geelong last week.
Saints legend Leigh Montagna criticized both the Demons and Lamb, stating, “I think we all agree it’s been a shambles, the way that this whole thing has been handled.” Montagna further emphasized, “The whole year for Melbourne has been a shambles, and it continues to be the case with some of the comments… it’s been a tricky situation.”
How Pies can land in-demand forward
Collingwood is said to be in a prime position to secure the sought-after Port Adelaide forward Dan Houston.
The Magpies are competing against Carlton and North Melbourne for his signature. To strengthen their chances, Collingwood is working to acquire pick 13 from Gold Coast in exchange for John Noble, which they could then use to facilitate a deal for Houston from the Power.