After leaving the Power at the end of 2024, Dan Houston is ready for his first preliminary in black and white colours.
After a down season by the dual All-Australian's lofty standards, he is ready and up for the challenge of facing the reigning premier Brisbane Lions this Saturday night.
"It's always a difficult challenge to get to this time of year, and to find ourselves in this position is awesome, and I'm really looking forward to it," Houston told the media on Wednesday.
"I think coming to a new club and being a new player with a little bit of expectation is always a little bit challenging, but the team has been awesome."
The Pies are hopeful that intercept defender Jeremy Howe will be fit for their clash, who has had a tough run with injuries throughout 2025.
"Howie, he's valued so much, he provides a lot of leadership, he plays that deeper role, and he sees the game back there," Houston said.
"He's crucial to our team's success. I would love to have Howie in our team every week."
The Pies will need both defenders fit and firing to boost their chance of securing a berth in their second grand final under Craig McRae.
