Zak Butters has reportedly chosen the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination for next season, ending one of the AFL’s biggest sagas.
According to a report by AFL’s Cal Twoomey on Saturday morning, the three-time All-Australian has informed both the Dogs and Port Adelaide of his decision.
The Bulldogs, whose flag dream came to an end last Saturday night against Adelaide, have reportedly offered Butters a nine-year deal worth around $2 million a season.
It will give Butters his wish of returning Victoria next season following 156 games for the Power since being drafted with Pick 12 in the 2018 AFL National Draft.
While the mammoth contract offer, worth around $18m is the biggest in the history of the AFL.
And according to SEN’s Sam Edmund, Butters celebrated the decision with friends in Seddon Village on Friday night at the Mona Castle Hotel, which is co-owned by retired Bulldog Tom Liberatore.
Port Adelaide has remained steadfast in its stance that any offer for Butters would be matched by the club, which would force the Dogs to make a trade with the Power.
However, if they opt not to match the contract, Port would receive the No.5 pick as free agency compensation.
Early draft choices will be needed to match the likely bid at pick No.1 for their academy gun Dougie Cochrane.
The suggestion in that case would be that Port and the Dogs could then agree a separate trade deal.
But AFL boss Greg Swann has warned the league will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period following speculation about a unique Butters trade deal.
“All the deals have got to stand up on their merit,” Swann said on SEN earlier this month.
“Let’s see what happens. If Zak goes and (Port) take the compensation pick and then there’s a trade for another player or trades for picks, it’s got to stand up.
“We’ll just monitor that and see what it looks like.”
Butters is a triple club champion and three-time All Australian. At the end of the season, he told Port that he had decided to return to his native Victoria next season.
Up until last week, Geelong were favourites for his signature. Richmond and Collingwood had been the other clubs vying for Butters during this season.
Butters, who hails from Darley near Bacchus Marsh, grew up as a Bulldogs fan and ultimately he has opted to become a Dog.
Butters averaged 29.8 disposals, 6.1 clearances and 5.7 inside 50s in 17 games this season.
The decision will have plenty of ramifications. For starters, his call likely allows for Geelong to land St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall.
The Cats are also looking increasingly likely to snap up Toby Greene as an unrestricted free agent if he leaves the Giants as anticipated.
More to come.
Originally published as Zak Butters bombshell as he decides where he wants to play next season