AFL trade news: Port Adelaide star Dan Houston officially requests move to Victoria

Late last month, Port Adelaide star Dan Houston declared ‘no, I am not leaving next year’. Now, the All Australian defender has confirmed he wants to go home to Victoria.

Port Adelaide star defender Dan Houston has informed the Power that he wants to be traded to a Victorian-based club.

But the two-time All-Australian defender says he is “happy to stay” at the Power if a deal can’t get done with Houston still contracted for another three years at Alberton.

Houston’s future has been widely discussed in recent months, with the expectation among rival clubs that he would seek a trade to Victoria at the end of the year, despite his public denial.

Last month on FIVEaa, Houston declared “No, I am not leaving next year”.

On Tuesday, he told the Power he wants to return to Victoria in his exit meeting.

Dan Houston has requested a trade back to Victoria. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

The All Australian defender told the club on Tuesday. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“I have informed the club that my preference is to play in Victoria next year,” he said at Alberton on Tuesday.

“Obviously over the last few weeks I have had a fluctuation of emotions and if the deal can’t get done I am happy to stay at Port Adelaide.

“I love the club, that’s all I am going to say.”

Melbourne was in the box-seat for Houston but the Demons’ off-field issues put an end to that prospect.

The Power want two first-round picks for the 27-year-old, which means clubs such as Carlton and Collingwood need to get creative to lure him across the border.

Ivan Soldo is also set to leave Alberton. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Meanwhile, ruckman Ivan Soldo has also requested a trade to Victoria.

The 28-year-old came to Alberton from Richmond last off-season for more opportunities and started as the Power’s No. 1 ruck this year.

But he was hit by injuries and fellow recruit Jordon Sweet made the most of his opportunity to take the No. 1 ruck mantle at the Power.

Soldo ended up playing eight games for the Power in 2024.

As revealed by the Herald Sun, St Kilda is on track to secure the former Richmond big man.

On Monday, Soldo said injuries had not helped his first year at the Power.

“I’ll have to wait for my review tomorrow and see what happens there but still contracted,” he said.

“Injuries have held me back, which wasn’t great, but that’s the role of the ruckman – you’re always copping something.”

The Power have told games record holder Travis Boak that it would like him to play on for another season with the ball now in the 36-year-old’s court.

Boak played 23 games this year and has said he would decide his future over the next week.