Gold Coast to today decide whether it pulls the pin on a complex multi-club trade for pick 13

Gold Coast will today decide whether it pulls the pin on a complex multi-club, multi-player trade that has pick 13 and Dan Houston’s future as its centrepieces.

The Suns are giving serious consideration to aborting the protracted negotiations with Collingwood and Port Adelaide and doing separate deals for Jack Lukosius, John Noble and pick 13 – as well as acquiring Dan Rioli from Richmond.

It’s understood the main reason the Suns would abort the complex three-way trade is because North Melbourne has blown rivals out of the water for Gold Coast’s pick 13.

The Kangaroos’ enthusiasm in getting that pick has grown significantly since Melbourne pulled out of the running by doing a deal with Essendon for pick 9.

North Melbourne has a future first round pick on the table for Gold Coast’s pick 13, but has now added more draft capital on top of that future pick that will most likely be high at the end of 2025.

It’s given the Suns something to think about while they keep hitting roadblocks with Collingwood.

The Pies, among many offers and counter-offers with Gold Coast, had offered Noble and their future first round selection to gets Suns' pick 13 & 23.

But the Suns are refusing to relinquish 23.

As well as North Melbourne and Collingwood, Hawthorn remains an interested party for pick 13, while the Western Bulldogs and Sydney are still options.

Sources said Gold Coast was set to make a call on one of the most contested elements of the trade period today.

Either direction will have ramifications for the likes of Houston, Rioli, Lukosius, Noble and Joe Richards.

A breakdown in multi-club talks could open the door for Houston to get to Carlton, who have been happy to remain in the background.