Gold Coast swingman Jack Lukosius has made his trade call, officially nominating Port Adelaide as his preferred destination as he prepares to return home to South Australia.
This masthead reported last week that Lukosius was leaning towards choosing the Power over Adelaide, at least in part due to his strong relationship with Port’s star midfielder Connor Rozee.
Jack Lukosius, left with Bailey Humphrey, wants to join close friend Connor Rozee at Port Adelaide.Credit: AFL Photos
Three sources familiar with negotiations confirmed Lukosius’ decision on the condition of anonymity. One of those revealed the Sun – who had two seasons to run on a back-ended contract at Gold Coast – would accept up to a six-year deal to continue his career at Alberton.
Lukosius’ trade call could have a flow-on effect for dual All-Australian Dan Houston’s future, particularly with the Power also hoping to secure the Giants’ unrestricted free agent pair Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman.
Carlton, Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne are interested in trading for Houston, who is contracted for four more years and has not requested a trade, but would like to return to Victoria if a deal can be brokered.
Melbourne were initially in pole position for Houston until the tumult at the club caused a change of heart from the star defender.
Port Adelaide’s highest selection in this year’s draft is a late second-round pick (No.36) after they traded their first-rounder as part of a deal with Fremantle last year, which may not be enough for Lukosius despite his salary and him being dropped late in the season.
Lukosius was the No.2 pick in the 2018 draft, and has played 116 games and kicked 79 goals while filling a number of different roles.
The Power will also gain an asset for ruckman Ivan Soldo, the ex-Tiger who is set to cross to his third club in as many seasons. St Kilda are willing to give him the chance to be their No.1 ruckman next season, meaning Rowan Marshall would start forward, after he could not beat former Dog Jordon Sweet to that role at Port.
Cumming announced last week he was leaving GWS to play for a South Australian club, with two sources telling this masthead at the time that his club selection could impact what Perryman does.
This masthead reported on Friday that Hawthorn were no longer in the running for Perryman.
The Crows are not trying to sign Perryman, but are keen to add Cumming to their back line, along with already securing a trade commitment from premiership Demon Alex Neal-Bullen.
Adelaide’s second-round pick (No.25) is tied to Melbourne, who sent that selection to the Crows last year for Shane McAdam, and is likely to be the asset that seals Neal-Bullen’s passage to West Lakes.
