The AFL says it will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period following reports surrounding a unique Zak Butters package.

Plus the prelim-bound Hawks are powering on with their trade plans including a $4 million offer for Zach Merrett. More in AFL Trade Whispers!

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AFL PUTS CLUBS ON NOTICE IN WATCH ON BUTTERS DEAL

The AFL says it will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period amid suggestions Port Adelaide could get free agency compensation for Zak Butters and more in a separate trade.

Speaking on Channel 9 this week, AFL Media reporter Cal Twomey said Pick 5 — the compensation selection the Power would receive if it allowed Butters to leave as a free agent — could “become a part of the overall transaction and package that will end up going to Port Adelaide.”

It would effectively see the Power utilise a loophole and get both the Pick 5 compensation and more draft assets in a win-win for them and the club that lands Butters.

That club is still yet to be determined, for Butters hasn’t nominated a team amid interest from Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond as the free agent seeks a return to Victoria.

Zak Butters is seeking a move back to Victoria (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

Speaking on SEN’s Fireball on Friday, AFL footy boss Greg Swann said “all the deals have got to stand up on their merit” and will be audited as per usual.

“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,” Swann said.

“We’ll just monitor that and see what it looks like.”

Swann said clubs would be on notice like any other year to ensure everything is above board.

“It’s a bit like, for which we got slammed for, when we sent the letter out to say don’t rest too many players (in Round 24) and everyone lost their minds. We do the same thing with trades … we do that every year,” Swann added.

“Every deal gets scrutinised. We talk to clubs and record with each party what the deal was, if there’s anything else behind it, if there’s any side deals or anything else involved.

“We always do that, so we’ll remind clubs again that’s the process and just monitor it as it happens.”

$4M MERRETT PLAY AS PRELIM HAWKS TO POWER UP

Hawthorn is powering on with big trade and free agency plans as becomes the firs team to advance to a preliminary final.

AFL Media reports the Hawks’ list management team is working behind the scenes to secure Suns free agent Ben King and Essendon star Zach Merrett to beef up Sam Mitchell’s side for 2027.

Hawthorn has reportedly tabled Merrett a four-year deal worth around $4 million in total, which would run until 2030, when Merrett turns 35.

Sicily lets Voss have it after the siren | 00:38

As Merrett is contracted for 2027, he’d need to be acquired via trade.

It’s believed Essendon will net less for Merrett than it was offered in last year’s failed deal, with Hawthorn expected to table its 2026 first-round pick and one of its second-rounders, potentially two.

King is set to nominate Hawthorn as his free agency destination in a move that would likely see Gold Coast secure Pick 7 as compensation.

The report states the Suns are also exploring moves for young Hawks talls Aidan Schubert and Noah Mraz amid a key position player squeeze at Dingley, with young forward Calsher Dear also drawing rival interest.