In a dramatic turn of events, Collingwood Football Club has successfully acquired Dan Houston from Port Adelaide in a massive trade involving three clubs and five players. The deal, completed on Tuesday afternoon, comes less than 24 hours after it initially appeared to have fallen through.
The agreement is still awaiting final approval from the AFL.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – AUG 17: Dan Houston of the Power with fans after the win during the 2024 AFL Round 23 match between the port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on August 17, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Details of the Complex Trade
The intricate deal sees significant player movement between Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and the Gold Coast Suns. Here’s a breakdown of how the trade unfolded:
Port Adelaide Receives:
- Players:
- Jack Lukosius (from Gold Coast Suns)
- Rory Atkins (from Gold Coast Suns)
- Joe Richards (from Collingwood)
- Draft Picks:
- No.13
- No.29
- No.36
- No.50
- Gives Up:
- Dan Houston (to Collingwood)
- Picks No.39 and No.58
- 2025 first-round pick
Collingwood Receives:
- Players:
- Dan Houston (from Port Adelaide)
- Draft Picks:
- No.58
- Gives Up:
- John Noble (to Gold Coast Suns)
- Joe Richards (to Port Adelaide)
- 2025 first-round pick
- Pick No.36
Gold Coast Suns Receive:
- Players:
- John Noble (from Collingwood)
- Draft Picks:
- No.39
- 2025 first-round pick from Collingwood
- 2025 first-round pick from Port Adelaide
- Gives Up:
- Jack Lukosius (to Port Adelaide)
- Rory Atkins (to Port Adelaide)
- Picks No.13, No.29, and No.50
How the Trade Unfolded
The trade is nearly identical to a proposal that surfaced on Monday evening, which Port Adelaide initially declined. The revised deal includes an additional third-round pick (No.50) from the Suns to the Power, ultimately satisfying all parties involved.
Rory Atkins emerged as the unexpected key to finalizing the trade after negotiations had stalled. The 29-year-old midfielder, contracted with the Suns until the end of 2025, played just three senior games in the 2024 season under new coach Damien Hardwick. Returning to South Australia, Atkins previously played 101 games for Adelaide between 2015 and 2019.
Player Movements and Club Benefits
Collingwood Lands Dan Houston
Dan Houston’s move to Collingwood fulfills his desire to return to a Victorian club for personal reasons. The versatile defender had also attracted interest from North Melbourne and Carlton, but the Magpies secured the deal.
Houston’s addition bolsters Collingwood’s defensive lineup, bringing experience and skill after his tenure with Port Adelaide.
Port Adelaide Strengthens Squad
Port Adelaide gains promising talents in Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins, and Joe Richards. Lukosius and Atkins arrive from the Gold Coast Suns, while Richards makes the move from Collingwood.
Additionally, acquiring the Suns’ prized No.13 draft pick enhances the Power’s position in the upcoming draft, providing opportunities to secure top-tier young talent.
Gold Coast Suns Acquire Assets
The Suns receive John Noble from Collingwood, a reliable defender who adds depth to their roster. More significantly, Gold Coast amasses valuable future picks, including first-round selections from both Collingwood and Port Adelaide for the 2025 draft.
Reactions and Implications
The successful execution of this complex trade reflects strategic planning by all three clubs to address immediate needs and future aspirations.
- Collingwood strengthens its defense with the addition of Houston.
- Port Adelaide replenishes its squad with new talent and improves its draft standing.
- Gold Coast Suns focus on building for the future with additional high-value draft picks.
All players involved—Dan Houston, Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins, Joe Richards, and John Noble—have landed at clubs where they are expected to contribute significantly.
Closing Thoughts
This blockbuster trade exemplifies the dynamic nature of the AFL Trade Period, where strategic negotiations can rapidly alter team compositions. With the AFL’s final approval pending, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how these changes will impact the upcoming season.
What are your thoughts on this mega trade involving Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and the Gold Coast Suns? Share your opinions in the Trade Forum!
