COLLINGWOOD list boss Justin Leppitsch says Dan Houston will be at the Magpies in 2027, with no rival clubs expressing interest in the rebounding defender to date.

And Leppitsch expects the same for Jordan De Goey, although the Magpies have had "mature conversations" with the midfielder's management about his future, with the club declaring it is "open for business" in this year's Trade Period. 

Houston still has four years remaining on his contract and despite speculation surrounding his future, Leppitsch told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio the 29-year-old would likely be staying put.

"You want to be open for business, but there's actually nothing to talk about. There is not a club that's spoken to us about Dan," Leppitsch said.

"I can't see him going anywhere."

Scott Pendlebury, Dan Houston and Brayden Maynard after Collingwood's win over Carlton in round 19, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

De Goey comes out of contract at the end of next season and the midfield ace is looking for a lengthy deal to wind up his career, while the Magpies aren't quite on the same page, even factoring Tasmania's entry to the AFL in 12 months.

"He's very much looking at it from a business perspective, and we're the same," Leppitsch said.

"At this point in time, nothing will happen. There's no movement and no options for either party, so we expect him to be with us next year.

"We know where we sit. If something happens this year that suits both parties, great. If not, we go into next year and we look to re-contract Jordy."

16:01

Magpies list boss on De Goey, Neale, Pendlebury, Houston and more

Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch joins Kane Cornes and Sam Edmund on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio

Published on Oct 1, 2026

Leppitsch said he would not have a problem if Bobby Hill resurrected his career at another club after the Norm Smith medallist orchestrated an amicable departure from the Magpies this year.

Hill took time away from the club amid personal issues, playing just three VFL games, and left despite having four years remaining on a lucrative deal.

"I'm the bean counter, so of course I want to maximise every piece of asset we've got," Leppitsch said.

"But there's the other part, too. You've got to be a little bit sensitive to what he's gone through.

"And it's the hardest thing, putting yourself in other people's shoes, particularly in cases where you don't really understand the full picture and what it is.

"If I had the choice, I'd like to see Bobby out there playing some sort of footy again and getting his life back on track. I'd probably take that over. the value we do or don't get out of it."

Bobby Hill is seen during Collingwood training on June 18, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

Leppitsch conceded getting Jayden Short from Richmond would be "harder to do" but not impossible.

The two-time premiership player is exploring his options away from Punt Road, with the Magpies joining St Kilda and Melbourne in expressing some interest.

"He wants a fresh start, but not necessarily join Collingwood. It's going to be one of those deals that at this point in time is a bit harder to do," Leppitsch said.

"It doesn't mean it doesn't happen but there's a bit of work to go with that one."

Jayden Short during the round 11 match between Richmond and Essendon at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 22, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Untried first-round pick Harry DeMattia also has the club's blessing to find a new home despite having one year left on his contract.

"Harry's obviously a first-round pick for us a few years ago, but he's watched some players go past him … so he's looking for greater opportunity," Leppitsch said.

"We understand that he might be better off in a new environment, so we'll support whatever that looks like."