Pies, Blues sharpen focus on trade for Port's Houston

Collingwood are hopeful Joe Richards' desire to join Port Adelaide can help them win the race for in-demand defender Dan Houston during the AFL trade period.

Houston, a two-time All-Australian, is eager to find his way to a Melbourne-based club, with no shortage of suitors.

The Magpies, Carlton and North Melbourne have all been linked to the 27-year-old.

But Houston has three years left on his contract and Port are eager to find a replacement before letting the star go.

Richards, who has played just nine games for Collingwood, made his request to join the Power official on Monday as the trade period opened.

The 24-year-old has been offered a three-year deal by Port and will be used in negotiations over Houston.

Gold Coast's pick 13 is also up for grabs and is seen as one option that could unlock a Houston deal.

Collingwood could potentially get their hands on pick 13 through a deal for defender John Noble, who has requested a trade to the Suns.

Richmond defender Daniel Rioli also wants to reunite with his former coach Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast.

Suns list boss Craig Cameron hinted the likes of Collingwood and Richmond could be in the box seat for pick 13.

"Our plan with pick 13 is to deal with clubs that we need some players from," Cameron said.

Upon arrival at Marvel Stadium on Monday, Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said his club is "very" interested in Houston.

"We'd love to see him in our colours next year but there's obviously a lot to play out over the next 10 days or so," Leppitsch said.

Carlton list manager Nick Austin is also eager to sit down with Port Adelaide to discuss Houston.

"He hasn't nominated a club yet - so that's probably where it sits," Austin said.

"I'm assuming we're in the mix, but he wants to get back to Melbourne - that's clear."

Power football boss Chris Davies said Houston understood any deal has to be right for the club.

"He's understanding that if we're to let him go, the deal has to right for us. He hasn't ruled anyone out, nor have we asked him to rule anyone out yet.," Davies said.

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has confirmed he wants to join Geelong and that will be one of the biggest deals done in this trade period.

"Clearly it's exciting that Bailey would like to get to us ... we've had a couple of conversations with Sam Power at the 'Dogs," said Cats football boss Andrew Mackie.

"They were positive chats, so we'll see where it gets to over the next 10 days or so.

"Bailey's been spending a little bit of time over the last couple of years down in Geelong and likes the idea of spending more time down there. Onfield, clearly, he has some assets."

The Cats also arranged a meeting at Rhys Stanley's farm last week with disgruntled Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver.

But the Demons made it clear at Friday's best and fairest night that Oliver, who attended the function, is not on the trade table.

Asked if Oliver still wants to come to Geelong, Mackie replied: "You'd have to ask Clayton and his management that question. We're really clear and respectful of Melbourne's position on that.

"That question is probably best for someone else."

Richmond have several contracted multi-premiership stars looking for new homes - apart from Rioli, Liam Baker (West Coast) and Shai Bolton (Fremantle) also are in the trade mix.

"It's really on other clubs ... to come to us," said Tigers football manager Blair Hartley.