Carlton are said to be interested in wantaway Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston, whose initially expected move to Melbourne has seemingly fallen through.

Houston emerged as a surprise trade option for Victorian clubs a month ago despite having a deal at Alberton until the end of the 2027 season.

The Power have refuted the All-Australian will be up for grabs, however, speculation has continued to suggest the dashing defender is keen to return to his home state of Victoria this year.

Melbourne was flagged as the likely landing spot for the Oakleigh Chargers product, only. for recent internal concerns leading Houston to reconsider his options.

That situation has potentially opened the door for other Victorian clubs to express their interest in the 27-year-old, with any suitor likely needing to package multiple first-round picks to please the Power.

According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Carlton is expressing some level of interest in Houston's services but is seen to be reluctant in parting with their first-round selection for this year's National Draft.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Dan Houston of Port Adelaide warms up prior to the round four AFL match between Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 08, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Port Adelaide, who don't have an early pick for November's intake, are keen to add to their draft hand this year, meaning an agreement between the Blues and Power over Houston could be difficult.

Speaking on Gettable, Twomey revealed there is a chance Carlton coach Michael Voss, who is a former Power assistant, may have reached out to Houston recently.

"Carlton is interested in Houston and has been considering its approach for him," Twomey said.

"It's even my information that Michael Voss may have been in touch with Houston over the last week or so to get a better read on his situation.

"Of course, they did spend a lot of time together at Port Adelaide, where Vossy was an assistant coach.

"I think Carlton at this stage would be more prepared to offer a future first-round pick, but that's not the market Port Adelaide is going to be playing in."

Carlton will likely need to hold onto their first-round pick or split it through the trade period to amass the needed draft points to acquire father-son tied twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Ben Camporeale of Team Naitanui and Lucas Camporeale of Team Selwood pose for a photograph after the AFL Futures match between Team Selwood v Team Naitanui at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 30, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Ben is likely to fetch a bid in the opening half of the draft, while his brother could slide to the Blues as a rookie.

Carlton currently hold Picks 11, 31, 61, 66 and 69 for this year's National Draft, tallying 2199 points.

Houston may have played his last game for the Power, with a pending AFL Tribunal case following a rough conduct charge from Round 23 likely leading to a suspension of at least four games for the Port Adelaide backman.

A ban of that length would see Houston unavailable for his side's final game of the season and up to three finals matches, placing him in doubt of being available again in 2024.

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