Zak Butters had made his decision on where he wants to play next season, nominating the Western Bulldogs as his preferred landing site.
Port Adelaide had previously confirmed the club has been informed by Butters of his decision to return to Victoria in the future.
Zak Butters is heading back to Victoria for 2027 and beyond. Getty Images
As reported by AFL.com.au, Butters has been offered a nine-year deal worth around $2 million per season to make the move to the Bulldogs.
The deal will see Butters earn roughly $18m at the Dogs and play until he is 35.
If accepted, it will likely be the biggest deal in AFL history.
Port Adelaide will now have to decide whether they will match the monster nine-year offer to keep Butters – a move they have been firmly fixed on.
But if the club is unable to match that offer, the Power will receive pick 5 in the national draft as compensation.
Geelong and the Tigers had also been floated as potential sites for Butters, but neither have been able to put up an offer that compares to the Dogs.
Last week, GWS captain Toby Greene revealed that he had been in contact with Butters and Geelong as he worked towards deciding his future in the competition.
Greene admitted that Butters’ decision could affect his own future movements.
“I wanted to see where his head was at, the things he values highly in his decision. That’s what I asked him,” he said.
Butters will depart Port Adelaide as a restricted free agent following eight seasons at the club, where he accumulated 156 caps.