The AFL trade period has started with several high-profile deals in motion. The Gold Coast Suns’ number 13 draft pick could be central to unlocking Dan Houston’s potential move to Collingwood, but the Suns are keeping their options open as they target Richmond’s Daniel Rioli. Meanwhile, Alex Neal-Bullen has moved to Adelaide, and Jack Darling has joined North Melbourne.
Houston, a two-time All-Australian, is seeking a trade to a Melbourne-based club, with Collingwood, Carlton, and North Melbourne all in contention. Collingwood is leveraging Joe Richards, who is looking to join Port Adelaide, in hopes of securing Houston.
Other big names like Bailey Smith (Bulldogs), who wants to join Geelong, and Shai Bolton and Liam Baker (Richmond), who are also seeking trades, add to the intense trade period negotiations. Richmond is clear that it’s up to other clubs to come forward with offers for their players.
Port Adelaide’s football boss, Chris Davies, emphasized that while Houston has not yet ruled out any clubs, the right deal must be struck for the club. Bulldogs’ list manager, Sam Power, similarly stressed that Bailey Smith holds significant trade value, indicating tough negotiations ahead for Geelong.
As the trade period progresses, clubs are vying to secure key players before the October 16 deadline. Deals for Houston, Smith, and other stars are expected to dominate the next 10 days, with major implications for the 2025 AFL season.
