Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Zak Butters remains the biggest contract story in the AFL after Port Adelaide teammate Jason Horne Francis reacted to reports on Friday that Richmond has emerged as the leading contender for the star midfielder. The comments came in Adelaide during a Triple M radio appearance and matter because Butters is one of the competition's premier players and is approaching a major decision about whether to remain at Port Adelaide or return to Victoria.
Port Adelaide faces increasing attention around the future of Butters as rival clubs continue to circle. Reports this week suggested Richmond currently holds the strongest offer available as speculation intensifies around the midfielder's next move.
The latest discussion follows months of growing interest from Victorian clubs and comes during a difficult season for Port Adelaide, which currently sits near the bottom end of the ladder after a disappointing run of results.
Horne Francis surprised by Richmond links
Horne Francis admitted he had already heard the latest reports but said one part of the speculation caught him off guard.
Triple M personality Chris Dittmar claimed Richmond had become the "absolute frontrunner" in the race for Butters and revealed there was reportedly a massive long term offer available.
According to Dittmar, Richmond currently has an offer worth around $18 million across eight seasons on the table.
Horne Francis said the size of the contract was not what surprised him.
"I am surprised that Richmond would be the frontrunner," he said during his appearance on Triple M.
When asked what he had heard regarding Butters' future, Horne Francis avoided suggesting he had inside knowledge but hinted geography remained an obvious factor.
"Just with the clubs that are closer to whereabouts he lives," Horne Francis said.
"I just thought they would maybe be a little bit closer in the race but hopefully Port are the frontrunners at the moment."
Victorian clubs remain heavily linked
The connection between Butters and a possible return to Victoria has been discussed throughout the season.
The midfielder grew up in Darley near Bacchus Marsh, meaning several Victorian clubs are naturally viewed as possible destinations.
The Western Bulldogs have been regularly linked, with reports suggesting captain Marcus Bontempelli has helped lead the club's push to recruit Butters.
Essendon and Geelong have also repeatedly appeared in discussions due to their location and list needs.
Richmond's emergence as a serious contender has therefore generated surprise because the Tigers had not previously been viewed as the leading option.
Dittmar later clarified that Port Adelaide should not be ruled out despite the growing speculation.
"We are not ruling out Port Adelaide, it is just the biggest offer on the table right now," he said.
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Port Adelaide form adds pressure
Port Adelaide's inconsistent campaign has created another layer to the story.
The club has struggled for consistency and recently slipped to sixteenth position after a four match losing streak.
Poor results often increase outside noise around player movement and contract situations, particularly when star players are approaching major career decisions.
Horne Francis acknowledged clubs across the league would naturally show interest in Butters given his standing within the competition.
His comments also arrived shortly after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson publicly confirmed interest in bringing Horne Francis back to the club.
Clarkson joked that nearly every team would have interest in Butters.
"I think there are 17 clubs interested in Zak Butters," he said.
Horne Francis said Port Adelaide remains focused on improving results during the second half of the season.
"We are working hard to get better as a footy club and hopefully our form improves a little bit more in the second half of the year," he said.
Ricciuto makes bold prediction
Former Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto took a stronger position during the radio discussion.
When asked whether he believed Butters would remain at Port Adelaide, Ricciuto declared he expected the midfielder to leave.
"I reckon he is going home, because he wants to," Ricciuto said.
Horne Francis responded by joking that he would like to know where Dittmar had received his information.
Dittmar replied that the source would become clear eventually.
The exchange highlighted how closely the football world is following every update around Butters' future.
Butters preparing major decision
Two weeks ago Butters acknowledged publicly that he was approaching a decision.
The midfielder admitted the process had not been simple and said emotions would play a significant role regardless of the outcome.
"It is obviously a big decision," Butters said.
"You think about everything. There is emotion attached to it, definitely."
"No matter what the decision is, it is going to be a pretty emotional one from my end, no matter what I do."
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For now, speculation continues to build as clubs wait for one of the competition's biggest contract decisions.