AFL trade news: Essendon dragged into North Melbourne’s play for Dan Houston after Kako bid concerns

North Melbourne has made a play for Essendon’s pick 9 in an attempt to bring Dan Houston to the club, but JON RALPH reports another club is set to swoop as the Bombers brace for an early bid on Isaac Kako.

Melbourne is expected to gazump North Melbourne in the race for Essendon’s No.9 draft selection as the Roos prepare to use their No.25 pick in discussions over Caleb Daniel.

The Roos are keen to dangle the carrot of their future first-rounder to clubs so they could continue their chase for Dan Houston.

But while the Roos had hoped to use their future first-rounder to secure the Dons’ pick nine, Melbourne looks likely to instead secure that cherished pick.

A club that has consistently traded future picks to enhance their draft hand has offered their 2025 first-rounder and this year’s No.28 and 40 picks as part of a package to nab Essendon’s No.9 pick.

North Melbourne is upping its play for Dan Houston. Picture Mark Brake

It would leave the Demons with picks five and nine in one of footy’s most stacked drafts with Melbourne open to moving even further up the draft.

The Demons continue to shut down any discussions over Clayton Oliver, adamant he will be a Melbourne player next year and ruling out any late trade period curve balls.

But a club that was keen to secure Houston with its 2024 and 2025 first-rounders can instead secure two elite picks in this year’s draft for star talent spotter Jason Taylor.

Essendon has been open to trading out its No.9 pick given the increased likelihood clubs will bid on their NGA star Isaac Kako, a medium forward, before their top 10 pick.

And with their own 2025 first-rounder and a Melbourne first-rounder that could still be in the top 10 in the draft next year, it is canny list management from Essendon.

The Roos hoped Essendon might be prepared to trade into next year’s draft for a likely top three pick given rival clubs are interested in bidding on Kako before the Dons’ selection.

The Roos are desperate to improve next year and given they will take pick two to the draft, believed it was worth handing over the Dons pick 9 for Houston to retain balance in their side.

The Roos are prepared to play fair for a deal with Caleb Daniel, who could yet stay at the Dogs despite being a sub seven times with eight VFL games.

As a show of their determination to recruit him the Roos would be prepared to use pick 25 in some manner to secure the 28-year-old, even if it was only part of a multi-club deal.

His status as a contracted player means the Roos would have to in essence give overs to secure him.

They are hopeful of securing four ready-made players as well as taking that top two pick.

West Coast’s Jack Darling was traded for pick 67, while the Roos are keen to secure premiership Swan Luke Parker for a later selection, likely a future pick.

Isaac Kako could attract a bid before pick 9, with the Bombers considering trading the pick out. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The Swans have asked for a second-rounder but that is not realistic given Parker’s age and determination to get out of Sydney for a number of reasons.

Not only would securing four experienced players help with their ladder position, it would also give them a better chance next year to secure a quality free agent given their vast cap space.

The Roos also have free agent Luke Davies-Uniacke having declared his faith in the club but not yet prepared to re-sign long-term given their continued on-field struggles.

If they could nail Houston, Daniel and Parker it would give them their best chance to be in a reasonable position halfway into the season to broker Davies-Uniacke’s signature.

But with the Dons and Demons keen to play ball, North Melbourne will have to hope their offer of their future first-rounder for Houston is enough for the Power as they continue to find ways to trade it into the 2024 draft.

Originally published as AFL trade news: Essendon dragged into North Melbourne’s play for Dan Houston after Kako bid concerns