Two-time All-Australian Dan Houston is officially a Magpie, after being traded from Port Adelaide in a three-way trade with the Gold Coast SUNS on the second last day of 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.  

Here’s everything you need to know about the 27-year-old defender.

Where has he come from?

Houston joins Collingwood from Port Adelaide after spending nine years in South Australia. Originally from Melbourne, Houston attended Camberwell Grammar School and played junior football for Greythorn in the Yarra Junior Football League.

He played TAC Cup football (now Coates Talent League) at the Oakleigh Chargers, winning the 2014 Premiership alongside current Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey. He was Co-Captain in 2015 and also represented Victoria Metro in the Under 18 Championships.

He was selected with Pick 45 in the 2015 Rookie Draft and made his AFL debut in Round One, 2017 against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.

Houston went on to play 168 games for the Power, booting 41 goals.

What was the trade deal?

COLLINGWOOD RECEIVES  

• Pick 58 in the 2024 AFL National Draft 

PORT ADELAIDE RECEIVES  

• Pick 13, 29, 36, 50 in the upcoming 2024 AFL National Draft 

GOLD COAST SUNS RECEIVES  

• Pick 39 in the upcoming 2024 AFL National Draft 

• Two future first round selections  

How does he play?

Houston has the ability to play all across the ground but has played his strongest football off half-back where he has earned praise as one of the best users of the ball by foot out of defence in the competition. He averages 20.5 disposals, 13.9 kicks, 3 tackles and 3.6 rebound 50s a game.

Half-back is also where Houston was selected in both the 2023 and 2024 All-Australian teams. 

Collingwood connections? 

Houston played at the Oakleigh Chargers with new teammates Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey and Lachlan Sullivan, as well as with current VFL Magpies Campbell Lane and Ben Crocker. Former Magpie Tom Phillips was also part of the Chargers’ cohort to call Houston a teammate across 2014 and 2015.

While at Port Adelaide, Houston played alongside Collingwood Premiership Player Billy Frampton, with the pair forming a strong friendship.

Also, during his time at the Power, Houston was coached by 2010 Collingwood Premiership player Tyson Goldsack who has served as a Development Coach since 2020.

Two All-Australian jackets?

Houston has been selected in the past two All-Australian sides on the half-back flank, with his spot last year being right next to Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore who was at centre-half back and Josh Daicos who was on the wing.

Rated ‘elite’ for metres gained in 2024 at close to 500 metres a game, the 27-year-old has continued his rise as one of the premier users of the football in the league and has shown his ability to play across the midfield and forward line.