A trade deal involving Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and Gold Coast, which would see the exchange of four players and multiple draft selections, is reportedly being planned.
The Magpies, Power, and Suns have been in ongoing discussions about the futures of Joe Richards, John Noble, Jack Lukosius, and Daniel Houston, all of whom are considering moves this off-season.
Richards has requested a trade to Port Adelaide, while his teammate Noble is eyeing a move to Queensland, where Lukosius is also hoping to join Alberton. Meanwhile, Houston is eager to move to Victoria and has attracted interest from Collingwood, Carlton, and North Melbourne.
A potential deal involving all three clubs could satisfy multiple trade requests, with Houston reportedly favoring a move to Collingwood, which could spark a trade agreement. According to The Age, the two-time All-Australian prefers a return to his home state, potentially paving the way for the Power to acquire both Lukosius and Richards.
Collingwood is said to have offered their 2025 first-round pick and Noble to the Suns in exchange for Picks 13 and 23, but that proposal was rejected. The Magpies hope to send Pick 13 and Richards to the Power to land Houston, although this may not fully satisfy Port Adelaide.
The Magpies want to keep Pick 23 for the draft, but any deal involving the four players, the Suns’ two picks, and Collingwood’s future first-rounder may require additional picks to be sent to both Gold Coast and Port Adelaide.
If a trade is agreed upon, Port Adelaide could avoid trading their future first-round pick for Lukosius, given the compensation they would receive for Houston. The Power would need AFL approval to trade their 2025 first-round selection, as they haven’t used an early pick in two years. The recent acquisition of former No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis has alleviated the need for that selection, and Houston’s departure could further support their strategy.
Additionally, the Suns are negotiating with Richmond over a deal for Daniel Rioli, with Pick 23 potentially involved, adding complexity to the potential trade between the Magpies and Power. Richmond is expected to secure Pick 6 for Rioli, but they are also seeking another draft pick from the Suns.