A Collingwood defender has been thrown into the mix around a potential move away from the club.

What is Essendon asking its coaching candidates? The five key themes have been revealed.

And a heap of trade updates involving Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs and Richmond

All that and more from media buzz...

Houston, we have a problem

Collingwood defender Dan Houston has been reported to be "unsettled" at the club, and could be assessing his options at season's end, despite being contracted until the end of 2030.

Houston joined the Pies ahead of the 2025 season, and after an inconsistent start to his time in the black and white, has reaped the rewards of the move.

The former Power commented on a social media post in response to the trade speculation, calling out the journalist who wrote the story.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Essendon's five key coaching themes

The Bombers, in their search for a new coach, have detailed five important themes and questions to ask their candidates.

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  • Why now?
  • Coaching philosophy
  • Coaching a club, not just a team
  • How do you lead?
  • Pressure of the job

Essendon has a host of candidates vying for the position, including former Bombers James Hird, Mark McVeigh and Dean Solomon.

Adelaide coaching director and former Brisbane assistant Murray Davis has entered the conversation.

Suns veteran tabled deal

Out-of-favour Gold Coast ruckman Jarrod Witts has been offered a two-year deal to remain at the club.

Witts has succumbed to the development of fellow tall Ned Moyle, with coach Damien Hardwick opting to go younger in the senior side.

However, the former Pie has been presented with a contract offer to remain a Sun, which, if accepted, will likely take him to retirement.

Giant on Tigers radar

Richmond is still looking for ruck replacements, and GWS tall Kieren Briggs is on their radar.

The Tigers missed out on Nick Madden, with the Giant signing a four-year extension amid interest from the Victorian club.

Richmond also missed out on Eagle Bailey Williams, and has now turned its attention to Briggs.

Bulldog offer nothing to Crow about

The Western Bulldogs are taking their desire to win a key defender to the next level, offering Adelaide's Jordon Butts a five-year deal worth more than $3.5 million.

The Bulldogs are in desperate need of backline bolstering, and Butts, who is uncontracted for next year, is weighing up his future. The Crows' offer is understood to be much leaner.

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