Howard's future has developed into one of the hottest topics of AFL's Trade Week after the Power encouraged the 23-year-old to explore his options at their end-of-year exit meeting.

St Kilda, North Melbourne and Essendon have been quick to circle and have met with Howard in recent weeks.

It leaves the former Wagga Tigers player and East Wagga-Kooringal junior with a huge decision to make.

Howard's manager, David Trotter, said they will meet with Port Adelaide this week to find a resolution.

"After the season, Dougs was told to explore his options and have a look if anything was around," Trotter said.

"If a deal suited the club and Dougs they would consider it.

"Dougs has had initial meetings with St Kilda, North Melbourne and Essendon.

"He's now working through what his future looks like. We'll sit down with the club in the coming days."

It has been a remarkable turn of events for Howard in a short space of time.

He captained Port Adelaide earlier in the year in just his 37^th AFL game. But only months later he found himself finishing the year in the SANFL after being dropped by the Power.

Howard only signed a three-year contract extension last December that tied him to the Power until the end of 2022.

But Port Adelaide now see any future at the club for Howard as a forward, despite him stamping himself as one of the most promising key defenders in the game last year.

The Saints and Kangaroos are believed to be leading the charge for Howard, who has played 45 AFL games, should he decide he wants to leave Port Adelaide.

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