Butters considered revealing Port departure before season ended
The Western Bulldogs have unveiled the midfielder after his free-agent move on a nine-year contract worth A$2 million a season.
Western Bulldogs recruit Zak Butters says he considered making his intention to leave Port Adelaide public while still playing for the club, but felt the AFL was not ready for that approach.
The 26-year-old was presented at Whitten Oval after joining the Bulldogs through free agency. His nine-year deal is worth A$2 million a season.
Butters said he knew he would leave after discussions with Port at the end of the previous season, when his contract still had a year to run. He discussed an early public announcement with his manager, Peter Lenton.
Geelong, Collingwood and Richmond also pursued the three-time All Australian. Butters denied that he or his management had told Geelong it was his preferred destination, saying he only settled on his choice after Port's season finished and he returned to his family's Darley property.
His childhood support for the Bulldogs featured in the club's pitch. Butters said a handwritten letter from 11-year-old Hunter Zerafa, with a 20c coin attached, brought back memories of attending training and having birthday parties at Whitten Oval.
Butters has played 156 games and undergone minor ankle surgery. He said he was excited about joining Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards in the Bulldogs midfield.
