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Houston wants out of Port while Lukosius wants in

3 minute read

Star defender Dan Houston wants to leave Port Adelaide for a Victorian club and his trade will likely result in Gold Coast's Jack Lukosius joining the Power.

JACK LUKOSIUS
JACK LUKOSIUS  Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Dual All Australian defender Dan Houston has told Port Adelaide he wants a trade to a Victorian club, with a deal set to pave the way for Gold Coast's Jack Lukosius to join the Power.

Houston informed Port at his exit meeting on Tuesday, just hours after Lukosius expressed his wish to leave to play for the Power.

Both players are under contract - Victorian-born Houston is tied to Port until the end of 2028 and Lukosius has two more years remaining on his deal with the Suns.

Port currently doesn't have a first-round draft pick which is understood to be Gold Coast's asking price for Lukosius.

But a Houston trade will likely land the Power a first-rounder to onpass to the Suns.

Houston on August 30 said he wanted to remain at Port but maintained he later changed his mind.

"I have informed the club that my preference is to play in Victoria next year," Houston told reporters outside Port's Alberton Oval headquarters.

"Obviously over the last few weeks I have had a fluctuation of emotions and if the deal can't get done I am happy to stay at Port Adelaide, I love the club.

"That is all I am going to say."

Houston won his second All Australian blazer this season but was suspended for five games and missed Port's finals campaign, which ended with a six-goal preliminary final loss to Sydney last Friday night.

The 27-year-old had long been linked with a batch of Melbourne-based clubs and was believed to have met with Carlton, Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs in the past fortnight.

Lukosius had been told by the Suns to explore his trade options after falling out of favour with coach Damien Hardwick.

The South Australian-born 24-year-old was courted by Port and the Adelaide Crows but his close friendship with Power captain Connor Rozee swayed his decision.

Port will also look to trade ruckman Ivan Soldo, who is keen to move to St Kilda.

Soldo joined the Power this season after six years with Richmond but after a mid-season knee injury fell behind Jordon Sweet as Port's favoured first-choice ruck.

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