Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr has reacted to growing talk around the Zak Butters trade chase AFL storyline, with rival AFL coaches openly discussing their interest in the Port Adelaide Football Club midfielder as his contract nears its end. Speaking on Friday, Carr addressed comments from clubs including Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Richmond and Melbourne, while stressing Port’s focus remains on performance. The situation has intensified as the 2026 season progresses and Butters continues to delay a decision on his future.

Carr responds to rival interest

Carr said he takes a different approach to public discussion about players at other clubs, with ongoing attention on Port Adelaide Football Club midfielder Zak Butters as several rival coaches continue to comment on their interest. He noted that conversations around recruitment are often kept private, while acknowledging that media commentary has added fuel to speculation across the AFL competition. Clubs including Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Richmond and Melbourne have been linked through public remarks, while Butters remains focused on finishing the 2026 season before making any call on his future. For more AFL updates, visit AFL official site. Fans can also follow analysis and smart betting-style coverage via Smart Tips before upcoming matches.