Their best player, Zak Butters, is suddenly unpredictable with talk of a million-dollar, Victoria-based suitor looming large. The 25-year-old midfielder has quickly established himself as the club’s most important player. This was a ridiculous situation, with one year left on his contract as well. This man has won three in a row best and fairest awards, two All-Australian jackets. His undisputed excellence was epitomised by his winning of the AFL Coaches’ Association champion player of the year in 2023.
Even as Port Adelaide did everything they could to sign Butters long-term, the club’s administration must understand the dire straits they’re in. For his part, Butters has been given a highly lucrative contract offer by Port Adelaide, headlined by more than $1.7 million per season over eight years. The club is eager to re-sign him and has emphasized his importance for their future.
“We want Zak to be at the club for the next 10 years, and that will be our sole focus at the right time,” said Jason Cripps, a representative from Port Adelaide.
Butters didn’t get very far before having to do some explaining after making a puzzling new move. He was then seen on the golf course with two Essendon players, prompting speculation he may make the move to that club instead. Along the way he’s formed a close bond with Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. That’s why, earlier this year, Bontempelli agreed to re-up with the Bulldogs for four more seasons.
“He’s got a big decision on his mind, and I hope we’re in the situation and the football club looks potentially like a place he could see himself,” – Marcus Bontempelli
Butters’ dedication to Port Adelaide is still the centerpiece to the majority of conversations centered around the club. Reports indicate that he has shown no interest in demanding a trade. “Zak has never broached the idea of being traded,” stated an unnamed source close to the club.
Port Adelaide has not ruled out returning to the negotiating table with Butters and his management team. “We’ve had ongoing discussions with Zak and his management group … as we do with all our players, in particular our interstate players,” a Port Adelaide representative noted.
Butters’ future is still fraught with tension despite these reassurances. Former Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes suggested on Tuesday that Butters would be with the Western Bulldogs in 2027. “If you had to make a prediction, I think he goes (to another club) this time next year,” Cornes remarked.
Over the past few weeks, Butters has been seen going through his paces with the Blues’ development coach Torin Baker. This has fueled new speculation on his next move. Butters is notoriously mum on the subject of his own upcoming plans. “I’m playing at Port next year, so I’m not going to comment,” he stated.
Mitch Cleary, chief AFL reporter for 7NEWS and a property owner in Melbourne, sounding the alarm on property prices. He stressed that fans needn’t worry about Butters’ scheduled links dates with other team’s players. “Shouldn’t be worried at all, it’s a good golf course,” he said.
As negotiations progress, both Port Adelaide’s side and Butters’ camp need to weave through a complicated landscape of competing offers and ambitions. The result of these debates will go on to merit what happens with Butters’ career in the next few age.
