Zak Butters Sets Sail for Victoria

Zak Butters, the 25-year-old midfielder who has played 156 games for Port Adelaide, announced on Monday that he will exercise his restricted free-agency rights to join a Victorian club. In exit meetings, he made it clear that he is looking to return home to Victoria, with industry sources saying he intends to nominate Geelong as his preferred destination. Collingwood, which had been in the running, was informed that they were out of contention.

Port Adelaide’s Response and Compensation

Port Adelaide is expected to match any restricted free-agency offer that Butters receives before brokering a trade for a larger return. An anonymous industry source confirmed that the club will take its time to work through the next steps. A band-one compensation would give the Power pick five, but the club could demand several first-round selections in trade negotiations, especially now that clubs can offload picks two years into the future.

The Broader Free-Agency Landscape

Butters’ decision ends at least 18 months of speculation about his playing future. The move mirrors that of Gold Coast restricted free agent Ben King, who also informed his club on Monday that he wants to leave to return to Melbourne. King has not yet nominated a preferred club, but expectations are that he will accept a contract offer to join Hawthorn once the Hawks’ season is over.

A Career of Accolades

Butters was the No.12 pick out of the Western Jets in the 2018 draft and has earned numerous accolades: the AFL Coaches’ Association champion player award in 2023, two Robert Rose Awards as the league’s most courageous footballer, a three-time John Cahill medallist and a dual All-Australian. Port Adelaide issued a statement praising him as an “outstanding servant” and a “three-time John Cahill medallist and dual All-Australian”.

Port Adelaide’s Future Plans

Port Adelaide’s coach, Josh Carr, expressed a slim hope that Butters might re-sign after the club’s 10-point victory over Essendon on Sunday, but conceded that history was against the club regarding players waiting until after the season to announce their decision. Carr declined to place a trade value on the player.

Conclusion

The Power will match any offer before brokering a trade for a larger return.