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Butters Out of Power, Moving to Victorian Club
Several Victorian clubs have made club-record offers as Port Adelaide prepares to match bids and seek a trade return.
- On Monday, August 24, 2026, Port Adelaide star Zak Butters informed the club of his intention to leave via restricted free agency. The 25-year-old midfielder plans to return home to Victoria after 156 games.
- Butters, a three-time John Cahill Medallist, cited a desire to reconnect with family and friends in Victoria as his primary motivation. He described the decision as a "tough decision" but expressed gratitude for his time at the Power.
- Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, and the Western Bulldogs have reportedly offered up to $18 million over eight years for the dual All-Australian. Multiple clubs are actively competing for his signature with a move to Melbourne almost a certainty.
- Port Adelaide intends to match any restricted free agency offer Butters accepts to force a trade and maximize draft capital. The club confirmed they will "work to facilitate the best outcome" through this process.
- With the midfielder's campaign prematurely ended by an ankle injury in Round 18, the transfer battle is expected to intensify. Port Adelaide remains adamant they will retain control over the move to ensure a strategic return.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
It’s official: Zak Butters declares he’s leaving Port Adelaide
Geelong have firmed as leading contenders for Butters’ signature in recent times, along with the Western Bulldogs, who have also long coveted the midfielder.
·North Sydney, Australia
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‘Trying to decide’: Butters on move after leaving Port
Zak Butters says he still has a “little bit to play through” in deciding which Victorian club he’ll join after leaving Port Adelaide. Butters has confirmed he’s departing Alberton as a restricted free agent, with Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood and Richmond making huge offers for the 25-year-old. “Next steps, obviously a bit to play through in the next little bit with my manager and family, and trying to decide on what’s next for me,”…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 22%
R 22%
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