Dan Houston
Born May 12, 1997 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Next birthday: May 12, 2026
May 12, 1997
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia0
0 likesMay 12, 2026
194 days out51
Total visitsEvery generation has its pioneers - for Australia in the modern AFL era, that beacon of innovation was undoubtedly Dan Houston. Born on 1997-05-12 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Houston rose from local junior footy at Greythorn and schooling at Camberwell Grammar into the elite. Drafted by the Port Adelaide Football Club in the 2016 rookie draft (pick 45) and debuting in Round 1, 2017 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he rapidly became one of the competition's most electrifying half-back flankers. Driven by a desire to redefine the rebound role and carry the ball at pace, he consistently ranked among the top metres-gained players in the league and earned selections in the All-Australian team in both 2023 and 2024.
At Port Adelaide, over 168 games he gathered 41 goals and established himself as a ball-use metronome, averaging metres gained that rose to nearly 500 in 2024. The result of this effort was a reputation as a modern prototype-defender who attacks, attacks who defend. His move in late 2024 to the Collingwood Football Club in a blockbuster three-club trade underscored his value and ambition to impact a historic club in Victoria.
Battling the physical toll and scrutiny that come with elite sport, Houston faced suspensions (including a five-match ban in 2024 for a bump resulting in concussion of an opponent) which threatened to derail his momentum. Instead, those setbacks sharpened his resolve and amplified his commitment to clean, controlled aggression fused with creative ball-use. He mastered the art of combining spatial vision, scientific fitness discipline and audacious decision-making-turning the defensive half into an attacking weapon and raising the standard for his role.
As the game's strategic tempo shifted heavily toward transition and rebound, Houston sat at the frontier of that change, influencing younger defenders and reshaping team tactics around his kind of half-back craft. His legacy will be felt not only in statistics but in the shifting architecture of how elite teams view defence-to-attack flows. Even now, Dan Houston's legacy reverberates through the worlds of football, art, science, and human creativity, promising new wave standards and future inspiration.
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Career & Achievements
- All-Australian team (2023)
- All-Australian team (2024)
- Gavin Wanganeen Medal (2018)
- AFL Rising Star nomination (2017)
- 55- to 60-metre goal after the siren to defeat Essendon (2023)
Personal Details
Latest News
ABC Sport
Dan Houston ruled out of Collingwood's clash with Fremantle due to abdominal strain
The Dan Houston injury list has grown: the Magpies' new recruit has been ruled out of the round 19 match against Fremantle Dockers after scans confirmed a mild abdominal strain. The absence comes after the team's tight loss to the Gold Coast Suns and is set to sideline Houston for at least two weeks. His missing presence puts pressure on the club's defence as they face key fixtures in the season run-in.
7NEWS
Dan Houston lashes out at his own errors in Collingwood's loss to Brisbane
Dan Houston admitted he had "a night to forget" after giving away two crucial free kicks late in the match that helped the Brisbane Lions secure a 27-point victory over Collingwood Football Club. His limited first-half touches and subsequent mistakes are now under scrutiny as the Magpies seek consistency. The incident raised fresh questions about his adjustment to a new club environment and role.
news.com.au
Dan Houston reflects on pressure of life at Collingwood after Port Adelaide move
In a candid interview, Houston acknowledged the weight of expectation following his high-profile trade from Port Adelaide Football Club to Collingwood at the end of 2024. He admitted meeting his own All-Australian standards has been "hard to live up to", and revealed he's sought advice to better settle into the Magpies' system. The discussion sheds light on the internal challenges experienced by big-name recruits.
AFL.com.au
Experts say Dan Houston's move to Collingwood has yet to deliver expected brilliance
Commentators have pointed out that Houston's performance at Collingwood hasn't matched his peak years at Port Adelaide, despite his status as a two-time All-Australian. His kicking precision, disposals and rebound numbers are reportedly down significantly, sparking questions about the fit and tactical deployment. The article frames the move as a "sliding-doors" moment in his career.
Fox Sports
Dan Houston copped two-match ban for high bump on Carlton's Lachie Fogarty
Houston was handed a two-match suspension after his high-impact bump on Lachie Fogarty of the Carlton Football Club. The incident marked his second ban in four games and threatened to derail the momentum of his debut season for Collingwood. The repercussion underscores the disciplinary risks facing high-impact defenders in the modern AFL.
FAQ
Who is Dan Houston?
Dan Houston is an Australian rules footballer, born on May 12, 1997, in Melbourne, Victoria. He began his professional AFL career with Port Adelaide Football Club after being selected in the 2016 rookie draft. Known for his elite kicking precision and rebound play, Houston has become one of the top defenders in the AFL. His on-field intelligence and consistency have earned him multiple All-Australian selections.
Which teams has Dan Houston played for?
Dan Houston has played for the Port Adelaide Football Club from 2017 to 2024, where he built his reputation as an elite half-back flanker. In late 2024, he transferred to the Collingwood Football Club in a high-profile three-club trade. This move positioned him to bring his signature rebound and playmaking skills to one of the AFL's most storied teams.
What are Dan Houston's major achievements in the AFL?
Houston's major achievements include being named to the All-Australian team in 2023 and 2024, receiving the Gavin Wanganeen Medal in 2018, and earning an AFL Rising Star nomination in 2017. He is also remembered for his remarkable 55-to-60-metre goal after the siren against Essendon in 2023. These accolades highlight his technical brilliance and reliability as a top-tier defender.
What position does Dan Houston play?
Dan Houston primarily plays as a half-back flanker, a position that requires both defensive strength and attacking creativity. His exceptional ball use, vision, and decision-making allow him to transition from defence to offence seamlessly. Houston's playing style has helped redefine the modern AFL defender role by blending athleticism with precise strategic play.
When did Dan Houston debut in the AFL?
Dan Houston made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2017, playing for Port Adelaide against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His immediate impact as a composed and efficient defender earned him recognition among fans and analysts. The debut marked the start of a career defined by consistent performance and technical excellence.
What is Dan Houston known for in his playing style?
Houston is known for his precise ball use, exceptional reading of the play, and high metres gained per game. His ability to intercept and launch counter-attacks from the backline has made him one of the AFL's most valuable defenders. Analysts often praise his blend of tactical intelligence and calm execution under pressure.
Has Dan Houston faced challenges in his AFL career?
Yes, Houston has faced several challenges, including the physical demands of the AFL and disciplinary setbacks such as a suspension in 2024. Despite these obstacles, he has demonstrated resilience by improving his discipline and leadership. These experiences have reinforced his image as a player with mental toughness and professionalism.
Why did Dan Houston transfer to Collingwood?
Houston's move to Collingwood in late 2024 came as part of a major three-club trade designed to strengthen Collingwood's defensive lineup. The transfer provided him the opportunity to play for a high-profile Victorian club and bring his elite rebound and playmaking abilities to a new system. Analysts viewed it as a strategic career step for both Houston and Collingwood.
What is Dan Houston's educational background?
Dan Houston attended Camberwell Grammar School in Melbourne, where he developed his early football skills. He also played junior football with Greythorn, a foundation that helped build his technical fundamentals. His education and early training combined academic discipline with athletic growth, preparing him for professional competition in the AFL.
What makes Dan Houston a standout AFL player?
Houston stands out due to his ability to combine technical skill with tactical intelligence. His vision allows him to read the play and create opportunities from defence, while his consistency keeps him among the league's top performers. Few players manage to blend such creativity and structure on-field, making him a benchmark for modern AFL defenders.
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