Coach Hinkley still believes Houston will stay at Port

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley still expects Dan Houston to play for the club next season despite reports the dual All Australian has met with Victorian suitors.

Houston two weeks ago said he would be remaining at Port, where he’s contracted until the end of the 2028 season.

But the star halfback reportedly met this week with Carlton, Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs amid speculation he wants to return to his native Victoria.

“I don’t need to mention any more, do I, on Dan?” Hinkley told reporters on Thursday.

“I’m only saying what I heard and what I hear from Dan and what we expect, that’s the reality.

“Look, things happen … sometimes there’ll be something that will come from nowhere.

“The reality is all I know is what has been said, what we believe.

“And I have said it, now this will be the fourth time I said it: Dan’s contracted, he loves our footy club, I expect him to be here next year.”

Houston is currently serving a five-game suspension which rules him out of Port’s finals campaign which continues with a semi-final against Hawthorn on Friday night.

On August 30, the 27-year-old was adamant he’d remain at Port.

“I am contracted and I absolutely love the footy club, I love being in Adelaide,” Houston said in his paid spot on Adelaide radio station 5AA.

“I am not leaving next year.”