The Port Adelaide Football Club can confirm that it has been made aware that Dougal Howard’s preference, if traded, would be to join St Kilda.

The 23-year-old utility has played 45 AFL games including 15 in 2019.

He has been utilised in defence and in the forward line as well as pinch-hitting in ruck.

General Manager – Football, Chris Davies explained the club's position.

“Dougal is aware that he is a highly valued, required player at Port Adelaide,” Davies said.

“Given he is contracted to the end of 2022, the club will only entertain a trade with St Kilda if it is in our best interests to do so.

"We will discuss the situation with the Saints but if a suitable outcome for our club cannot be reached, Dougal is well aware that he will remain a Port Adelaide player in 2020.”