Power disruption as Dixon retires and Houston flags intention to return home

Port Adelaide key forward and 221-game AFL veteran Charlie Dixon has announced his retirement from the competition after 14 seasons, in a move that signals further player turnover at the Power following its finals exit.

The 34-year-old confirmed Friday night’s preliminary final defeat at the hands of Sydney was his last game at the elite level.

The decision followed revelations that other Power players, including suspended All-Australian defender Dan Houston, were seeking moves back to Victoria.

In a statement, Dixon expressed gratitude for a career that, while hampered by injury, included spells at two clubs, 357 AFL goals and 2020 All-Australian selection.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had so long in a game that has given me a lot of great memories,” he said.

“While there have been a lot of challenges along the way, I feel really grateful to both Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast for the opportunities those clubs have provided and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Dixon’s departure comes amid post-season movement at the Power, with the club this week revealing that both Houston and ruckman Ivan Soldo have requested trades to Victoria.

“Houston and Soldo are yet to nominate a club of choice and are committed to staying at Port Adelaide if a suitable trade is not reached,” the club said.

The Power also announced defender Trent McKenzie, who did not play at senior level during the 2024 season, had retired after 165 AFL games, also with both the Suns and Power.

The club’s general manager, Chris Davies, praised McKenzie’s “positive attitude” and leadership attributes, saying that he had battled injury but had “always been a popular figure” at Alberton.

Dixon was originally drafted by Gold Coast and made his debut in 2011, before making the switch to the Power five years later.

He went onto become the club’s leading goal kicker in three seasons, including 2017, in which he booted 49 majors, and 2020, when he was runner-up in the Coleman Medal.

His form and games tally in recent seasons were impacted by injury, but his on-field fortitude earned the praise of coach Ken Hinkley, who was an assistant coach at the Gold Coast during Dixon’s debut season.

“I’ve known Charlie since he was a rough and raw teenager,” he said in a statement.

“Charlie has always put his body on the line for his teammates, willing himself to every contest — sometimes with a number of opponents hanging off him.”

Dixon said while it would be hard to stop “coming through those doors” at the club, he was “looking forward to what comes next”.

The playing future of 36-year-old veteran star Travis Boak remains up in the air, although it is believed the club has asked him to play on, while Gold Coast player Jack Lukosius has been strongly linked with a move to Alberton to join Power captain and close friend Connor Rozee.