North Melbourne's list manager, Brady Rawlings, has provided insight into the club's approach to the ongoing AFL trade period, with a focus on acquiring the experience of Luke Parker without too hefty a cost while also throwing their hat in the ring for Dan Houston.
“We went into this trade period looking to add some experience. For us, it has to be something that doesn't dilute our draft hand too much. We need to be careful,” Rawlings said of their initial trade strategy for Sydney Swans veteran Luke Parker, per AFL Trade Radio.
North Melbourne's preliminary offer for Parker, currently contracted to Sydney, involved a later draft pick, which was reportedly declined by the Swans as they sought a more substantial trade package.
Parker, a key player for Sydney with over 290 games, has expressed a desire to move to Arden Street, a potential shift that grows evermore intriguing by the hour.
Parker's long tenure and contributions to the Swans position him as a high-value asset, and Sydney is eager to reflect that in any trade.
Sydney list boss Chris Keane emphasised this complexity, noting, “he's obviously a very valuable player for us and has been over the journey…just needs to represent the fact that he's contracted and the opportunity North Melbourne is providing him,” he told Trade Radio.
Meanwhile, Rawlings also addressed North Melbourne's interest in Port Adelaide's Dan Houston. Renowned as the biggest fish of the trade period, Houston has attracted attention from multiple clubs, including Collingwood and Carlton.
Though he has not yet designated a preferred destination, North Melbourne remains committed to pursuing a potential deal.
Rawlings commented on their approach, saying, “Yeah, I'd say we are in the mix. We are really keen to bring him into the football club. While that is still up in the air, we are looking at ways of putting something to Port for them to consider.”
However, North Melbourne faces considerable competition for Houston, which is under contract with Port and could command a high price.
Collingwood is reportedly offering multiple picks in a potential three-club trade. Despite this, Rawlings remains optimistic, indicating that North is open to using its future draft picks to secure Houston.
Additionally, North Melbourne is also open to shifting its current draft position if the right opportunity arises.
“We would be interested in a small slide if we get good currency for it. We will weigh it all up. We are in a pretty good position either way,” Rawlings remarked.
With the trade period deadline fast approaching, North Melbourne will need to navigate complex negotiations if they hope to secure both Parker and Houston.
