Star midfielder Zak Butters has officially nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination, taking a significant step toward one of the biggest AFL player moves in recent years.
The Western Bulldogs confirmed on Saturday that Butters had informed the club of his intention to join, with discussions now expected to take place between the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide ahead of the upcoming player movement period.
In a statement, the Bulldogs said they would work with Port Adelaide to reach a suitable outcome. However, the Power still retain the right to match any offer for the restricted free agent, potentially forcing a trade negotiation for the three-time All-Australian.
The 26-year-old’s future has dominated AFL headlines throughout the season, with reports linking him to several Victorian clubs, including Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs. Butters ultimately narrowed his decision to the Bulldogs and Geelong before choosing the club he supported as a child.
Reports suggest the midfield star has been offered a lucrative nine-year contract worth up to $2 million per season. If completed, the deal would see Butters join an elite Bulldogs midfield featuring captain Marcus Bontempelli and fellow star Ed Richards.
Last month, Butters announced his desire to return to Victoria, describing the decision as a difficult one after spending his entire AFL career with Port Adelaide. He said he wanted to be closer to family and friends as he entered a new stage of life.
Butters leaves behind an impressive legacy at Port Adelaide. The dynamic midfielder won three club best-and-fairest awards, earned All-Australian selection on three occasions, and served as acting captain this season when regular skipper Connor Rozee was sidelined by injury.
His final appearance for the Power came against St Kilda in Round 18, where he suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury that prematurely ended his season.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has long been a vocal admirer of Butters, previously noting the strong relationships the midfielder had developed with several Bulldogs players through representative football. Those connections are believed to have played a role in his decision to choose the Melbourne-based c
With Port Adelaide now weighing its options and the AFL trade period approaching, Butters’ proposed move is set to be one of the most closely watched stories of the offseason.
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