Twomey’s mega trade update: North’s interest in Houston, Sydney looking at Hawks defender plus much more

AFL Media's Cal Twomey has provided the trade and contract latest on a number of players.

He joined SEN Breakfast to go through multiple players who are attracting interest ahead of the trade period, while answering some questions from listeners.

Read his thoughts below:

Dan Houston (Port Adelaide)

On North Melbourne’s interest:

“He obviously has to make a decision on where he wants to go and who is actually able to get a deal done,” Twomey said on SEN Breakfast.

“I’m still looking at North Melbourne as a possibility. It was reported last week that St Kilda were out of the race, I think North Melbourne’s in the race.

“They have a future first-round pick on the table to get something done.

“For Port Adelaide though, they want the pick or picks in this year’s draft. The future first-round pick on the table from North, they can potentially turn that into a pick early in this year’s draft as well. That’s a possibility.

“They’re now in that race alongside Collingwood, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs.

“So there’s four (clubs in the race) with North around the fringes there. They’re probably at the back end but they’re in the race.”

Jack Lukosius (Gold Coast)

Port Adelaide or Adelaide?

“I think he’s going to South Australia, that is most likely.

“He’s still got a decision to make. Both clubs have five-year deals plus on the table for him, he’s got two years to go on his deal at the Suns.

“Financially the Crows are in a very strong position, but he’s got a very strong relationship with Connor Rozee.

“There’s a decision for him to make, but I expect him to be playing in South Australia next year.

“What it takes to get it done? It’s probably moving to a future first-round pick rather than something in this year’s draft.”

Sam Frost (Hawthorn)

On Sydney’s interest:

“This is one that Josh Gabelich put on the table on Insider Trading last night.

“They (Sydney) have registered an interest in Sam Frost. He’s in a funny position given the Hawks are bringing in Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.

“So two key position defenders coming in. What does that mean for Sam Frost? Clubs have asked the question and the Swans are in that group.

“Frost is contracted for next year after hitting a trigger for 2025 earlier this season, but you do wonder what that squeeze would look like in that (defensive) group.”

Joe Richards (Collingwood)

On the offer from Port Adelaide:

“He’s still in the frame there, he’s got a three-year offer from Port and two-year offer from the Pies.

“He is out of contract and still weighing up. A lot of balls in the air for Port Adelaide.”

Isaac Cumming & Harry Perryman (GWS)

On Port Adelaide, Adelaide, Collingwood & Hawthorn interest:

“A lot (for Richards) will depend on the decision from Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman.

“We know Cumming is either going to Adelaide or Port, but he’s still got to make that decision.

“Collingwood has come pretty hard late for Perryman and Hawthorn has been in it a fair while, and we know Port Adelaide is chasing and have been since 2020. They’re still in a strong position.”

Caleb Daniel & Jack Macrae (Western Bulldogs)

On Daniel’s future and Macrae’s potential St Kilda move:

“He is unlike Jack Macrae in that he hasn’t requested a trade and certainly hasn’t nominated any preferred home.

“I still think there’s potential for something later in the trade period but not a pressing one at the moment.

“We know Macrae said last week he’s requesting a trade and this week nominated St Kilda officially as his new home.

“I’m fascinated to see how that one plays out given he’s got three years to run on his contract at the Dogs. They’re not pushing him out, but also the Saints won’t want to give up any strong draft capital because they’re keen to lock in some young talent.”

Jake Stringer (Essendon)

Collingwood or Sydney? Or stay at the Bombers?

“He’s told people that he’s played his last game at the Bombers but there’s still every chance he ends up back at the Bombers.

“At the moment he doesn’t have a suitor coming for him. He’s got the contract for next year.

“Collingwood have looked at it and there’s no doubt about that. Craig McRae has had interest in him because there’s an appealing factor about it. He could probably produce 50 goals in Collingwood’s forward line, but there’s other factors too.

“I don’t see it as the Pies now, I don’t see it as the Swans either as I don’t think it’s something on their radar.

“If you’re a club that’s really keen on Jake Stringer you might not be saying it right now because it’s clear that he’s on the trade table so just wait a bit longer and something could pop up later in the period.”

Jack Martin (Carlton)

Any chance of joining Geelong?

“Yep, chance.

“He’s a delisted free agent, there’s interest there and the ability to pick him up for nothing is appealing.

“That’s definitely a chance.”

Ben Hobbs (Essendon)

Staying or going?

“Most likely to stay. He hasn’t had any firm links to rivals.

“Contracted for next year and looking most likely to stay now.”

Sam De Koning (Geelong)

Is he out of favour at the Cats? Heading to the Blues?

“No. No.”

Luke Parker (Sydney)

On North’s interest:

“I think North Melbourne is firmly in this race and are a very good chance to get him.”

Shai Bolton (Richmond)

Fremantle or West Coast?

“I have Fremantle ahead in that one. They know the deal can get done and Shai knows the deal can get done.

“Still waiting to see if Andrew McQualter gets the job at the Eagles, Bolton’s former assistant (and interim coach) at the Tigers.

“That might give it a bit more of a chance (to West Coast), but I think Freo are in the box seat.”

Tim Membrey (St Kilda)

On Hawthorn links:

“I haven’t heard that one.

“He’s an unrestricted free agent so it is a free hit (for interested clubs).”

Riley Garcia (Western Bulldogs)

On interest from multiple clubs:

“He’s got some interest out there. He’s got a two-year offer from the Bulldogs.

“Port Adelaide, West Coast, North Melbourne (and St Kilda) have all had a look at him at different points, so he’s got a decision to make.”