Howard crossed from Port Adelaide after 45 games in the 2019 trade period that also delivered Bradley Hill, Dan Butler, Zak Jones and Paddy Ryder to Moorabbin. The 199cm spoiling key defender served as co-vice-captain in 2021 and 2022, and announced late in the 2026 season, his 12th at the top level, that he was retiring. He played 145 AFL games and kicked 15 goals.