Superstar Zak Butters has reportedly asked Port Adelaide about the possibility of a trade back home to Victoria with a month to play in the 2025 home-and-away season.
Seven’s Mitch Cleary revealed on Sunday afternoon that the 25-year-old midfielder was given “an emphatic no” by the Power in response to his question, but nonetheless, the news has pricked the ears of rival clubs.
Butters has since been adamant that he will be at Alberton come day one of pre-season in November, but as a restricted free agent in 2026, is set to be tabled eye-watering offers from Victorian clubs next year.
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As seen with the Power’s unprecedented contract offers for the likes of Butters and teammate Miles Bergman throughout this season, the Power will almost certainly be able to match any bid submitted by another club.
Geelong and the Western Bulldogs have long been linked to the Port vice-captain, who has strong ties with his family in Darley.
Cleary also reports that the Bulldogs would be prepared to offer an eight-year deal worth upwards of $1.7 million a season if Butters wanted to depart Alberton.
Hawthorn, Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda have all also been floated as eager suitors, which is hardly surprising given how critical he was to Ken Hinkley since debuting in 2019.
Butters was taken with Pick No.12 in the 2018 National Draft, and has played 139 games at the top level. He has won Port Adelaide’s best and fairest for three consecutive years.
This season’s AFL Trade Period begins on Monday, October 6, and gives clubs nine days to trade until Wednesday, October 15.