A ‘formal meeting’ between Zak Butters and one of his suitors is still yet to take place.

Plus a star has turned his back on Tassie interest after signing a monster extension, and a VFL game that had recruiters from at least five clubs watching on. More in AFL Trade Whispers!

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SUITOR STILL PLANNING ‘FORMAL’ BUTTERS MEETING

A “formal meeting” between Geelong and Zak Butters is reportedly still being planned as the superstar free agent caught up with other suitors earlier this year.

The Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Collingwood are also in pursuit of the 25-year old as the Port Adelaide jet weighs up his future.

According to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, a meeting between the Cats and Butters remains in play and may have been affected by Max Holmes’ syndesmosis injury, given the club’s preference to pitch with its stars.

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“I believe there is still a meeting to be had between Zak Butters and Geelong that is on the cards,” Cleary said on Seven.

“I dare say this meeting may have already happened in the last couple of weeks if it wasn’t for Max Holmes’ injury. He’s currently couch bound, he’s not too mobile with that ankle injury.

“The Cats love to roll out their stars when it comes to these meetings. They like to wine and dine in person.

“I think this just highlights that Zak Butters is still in his decision-making process.”

Butters is racing the clock to return for the 15th-placed Power this season as he recovers from a syndesmosis injury.

COMBEN SIGNS MONSTER ROOS EXTENSION AFTER TASSIE INTEREST

You can cross Charlie Comben off Tasmania’s hit list.

The Kangaroos defender has signed a monster six-year extension to tie him to the club until at least 2033.

AFL journalist Tom Morris first reported Comben’s new deal that “industry sources” suggest would be worth around $5 million in total.

Comben was set to be a restricted free agent next year and considered a target for the Devils ahead of the 19th club’s AFL entry in 2028.

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Bu the 25-year old has committed his future to Arden Street in a key coup for Alastair Clarkson’s side.

Comben has played 66 games for North since being drafted with the No. 31 pick in 2019.

It follows new deals for fellow Kangaroos Harry Sheezel (two-year extension until 2032) and Finn O’Sullivan (two-year extension until 2029) in recent weeks.

Meanwhile youngsters Zane Duursma and Riley Hardeman remain uncontracted beyond 2026.

HAWKS FORWARD ‘TOP OF LIST’ FOR RECRUITERS AT VFL CLASH

Recruiters from at least five clubs were at last weekend’s Essendon-Hawthorn VFL clash featuring several intriguing names including Calsher Dear.

Journalist Tom Morris reports Richmond, Collingwood, Melbourne, Geelong and Gold Coast were among the clubs with list management onlookers at the lower level game that involved several players that could be gettable.

That included fellow Hawks Sam Butler and Finn Maginness (both contracted until 2027) as well as Bombers Darcy Parish (2029), Harry Jones (2027), Archie Perkins and Elijah Tsatas (coming out of contract).

Hawthorn’s crazy 2027 possible team | 03:52

Dear is seen as the one that’s highest on rivals radars after reports that the Hawks are set to land Suns free agent Ben King, which would push the youngster further down the forward pecking order, in addition to Mitch Lewis and Jack Gunston signing extensions.

“I doubt there would be a game this year that had more eyes on it from a recruiting and list management perspective,” Morris said on Seven.

“Look at some of these names, that I think are all good enough to be on an AFL list somewhere and many of them are out of contract at the end of the year or out of favour.

“The main name I reckon these recruiters were watching — Calsher Dear. I reckon Dear is at the top of the list.”