AFL trade news: How Harry Perryman’s decision to nominate Collingwood complicates Dan Houston’s trade request for Port Adelaide

Dan Houston has said he’s happy to stay at Port Adelaide despite officially requesting a trade. Harry Perryman’s decision to choose the Pies may mean he’s locked in to Alberton.

Port Adelaide missing out on Harry Perryman has complicated Dan Houston’s potential trade.

GWS utility Perryman choosing Collingwood over Port on Tuesday and Giants halfback agent Isaac Cumming picking the Crows instead of them last week leaves the Power reluctant to deal Houston this off-season unless it gets a significant return.

Port had hoped to lure one or both of the GWS unrestricted free agents to help cover the possible loss of Houston amid his push to return to Victoria during this month’s trade period.

With both opting to go elsewhere, the Power was now expected to require a bigger haul to part with its dual All-Australian, who was contracted for another three seasons.

Port Adelaide's Dan Houston may struggle to get his wish to move clubs. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Perryman, 25, considered six-year contracts from Port Adelaide and the Giants, before picking Collingwood, the club he grew up supporting.

The Magpies also offered the Giants academy product a six-year deal, as well as more midfield time.

Houston, 27, has said he is happy to stay at the Power if a trade cannot be agreed, as Carlton and North Melbourne circle.

The Blues have reportedly been unwilling to offer their pick 11 this year, while the Kangaroos have put their future first-round selection on the table.

Houston has not specifically told the Power which club he wants to join.

But Carlton, where his close friend Jack Silvagni plays, is said to be his preference.

Part of Port Adelaide’s consideration is it has rarely been in this position during coach Ken Hinkley’s 12-year tenure where a contracted star player wants to leave.

Kane Farrell would be the main man in defence if Dan Houston left. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Power has a host of rebounding defenders, but none with Houston’s credentials and the preliminary finalist remains in the premiership window.

Victorian half-backs Miles Bergman, Kane Farrell and Josh Sinn are all set to enter the last year of their deals, as is South Australian Ryan Burton.

Houston, a member of the Power’s leadership group, has played 168 games for the club since being rookie-listed in 2016, including 22 of its 26 matches this season.

He could earn his fourth top-three finish in Port’s best-and-fairest on Friday night despite missing its last four games due to suspension.

Asked last week about how not signing Perryman would affect a possible Houston trade, Power football boss Chris Davies said: “If we don’t have a dearth of those people (half-backs), it might make it a little bit harder, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t willing to explore it”.

GWS will receive draft compensation for both Cumming and Perryman.

Cumming, 26, is expected to join Adelaide when the league’s free agency period begins on Friday.

Originally published as AFL trade news: How Harry Perryman’s decision to nominate Collingwood complicates Dan Houston’s trade request for Port Adelaide