[2] She had never played AFL before, having been found through a talent search open to all athletes.

[3] Houghton made her debut in the thirty-two point loss to the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval in the opening round of the 2017 season.

[5] Playing for the Swan Districts Football Club in the 2018 WAFL Women's competition, Houghton won the Mandy McSherry Medal, the teams best and fairest award.

Her athleticism and strong marking was recognised with selection in the 2019[7] and 2020 AFL Women's All-Australian teams.

On 10 May 2022, Houghton signed with expansion club Port Adelaide for 2022 AFL Women's season 7[11] and scored their inaugural goal in Round 1.