Something has gone “badly awry” as Port Adelaide confirms Dougal Howard is hoping for a trade to St Kilda, says FIVEAA’s Stephen Rowe.

Rowey told FIVEAA Breakfast on Thursday:

“I cannot believe Dougal Howard is on his way out of Port Adelaide. How the hell’s that happened? I think this is a massive stuff up for Port. They said go and have a little bo-peep, he did, now he’s going to go.

“He’s 23, 200cm, versatile, a great team man, he has an enormous upside, still has three years to run on his contract. He’s played 45 games, his next five years are going to be outstanding.

“I cannot believe this one. Something badly went awry here, well get to the bottom of that.”

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On Wednesday night PAFC released a statement confirmed the saints were Howard’s trade preference.

The club’s footy manager Chris Davies said:

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

“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.”