Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Zak Butters is expected to leave Port Adelaide at the end of the AFL season, with Channel 7’s Caroline Wilson reporting the Power have accepted that their restricted free agent is likely to move.
The Port Adelaide midfielder has not formally told the club he is leaving, but Victorian clubs are already circling, with the Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Richmond and Collingwood linked to the race.
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Butters Future Takes Centre Stage
Butters has been captaining Port Adelaide since Connor Rozee suffered a serious injury in Round 2, adding another layer to a call that could reshape the club’s list plans.
“Port Adelaide have accepted the fact now that he’s going to be leaving, although they vehemently deny any sort of suggestion that he’s told them yet,“ Wilson reported on The Agenda Setters.
“We know he spoke to the Bulldogs over Port’s bye round. We believe he’s also spoken to the Richmond Football Club, among others.
“I think maybe Collingwood as well. Nick Dacos has been absolutely working on his great friend, Zak Butters, to come to Collingwood.
“He has a relationship with Sam Lalor at Richmond. And, of course, Port would love and are telling people they want to deal with the Richmond Football Club and only the Richmond Football Club.
“The Bulldogs believe they are in the box seat.”
Victorian Clubs Circle
Richmond have been linked to a huge eight-year offer worth $18 million, while Craig Hutchison said the Tigers are “very well placed” if they decide to move hard.
“They’ll get paid very, very well picks-wise. And Richmond are a super well placed here if they play this right. I just think they’ve got a real opportunity here, the Tigers. He is perfect for them,” he said.
Wilson said no formal offer had been tabled by Richmond, but the Butters call could have a major flow-on effect across the AFL trade market.
Official AFL trade and free agency updates can be followed through the AFL website.
