Race to satisfy Port for Houston heating up as Blues v Pies battle delicately poised

THE fight for Dan Houston is delicately poised, with Collingwood’s pole position in negotiations with Gold Coast offset by the fact they aren’t presenting the best offer.

The Pies are in a battle with Carlton – and to a lesser extent North Melbourne – in the race to satisfy Port Adelaide for Houston.

The Collingwood and Carlton desire to land the dual All-Australian half-back has led them to Gold Coast and the Suns’ pick 13 – a selection that’s become central to securing Houston.

Houston’s preference is to play for the Blues where he has an old working relationship with senior coach Michael Voss and a personal relationship with forward Jack Silvagni. But he is also willing to play for Collingwood.

Gold Coast is initially dealing with the Pies given John Noble wants to join the Suns on a four-year deal worth less than $600,000 a season.

However, the two clubs have hit an early snag. Sources have confirmed Collingwood have offered Noble and its future first round pick to Gold Coast in exchange for picks 13 and 23 from the Suns.

It’s understood the Suns are not keen to do that deal.

The Blues, while not officially a part of negotiations as things stand, have made it clear they are prepared to give both their future first and future second round picks to Gold Coast for pick 13.

Comparatively speaking, the Suns would be leaving behind a future second round pick (from Carlton) and handing over pick 23 (in a deal with Collingwood) if they were to accept the Collingwood offer over the Carlton offer.

The Power, meanwhile, have also stated they are prepared to play hard ball on any Houston exchange given the defender has three years remaining on his contract.

The 27-year-old wants to return to Victoria, but has not officially nominated a club.

“We’re open to doing a deal on Dan, but ultimately it has to be the right deal for the club,” Power football boss Chris Davies said yesterday. “I’m sure Dan understands in all of this that whichever club is interested in his services has to be able to also satisfy port Adelaide.

“That’s the primary objective. I’m not too fussed on where he wants to go; ultimately, we’ve got to feel like we’re benefitting from it.”