Alastair Clarkson lands in Adelaide as North Melbourne coach admits interest in Zak Butters
The North Melbourne coach has made a big admission after being spotted outside of Victoria.
North Melbourne are making sure they are not left out of the race for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters.
Ahead of their bye this weekend, Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson has travelled to Adelaide, admitting to 7NEWS his side is interested in the game’s biggest free agent.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Alastair Clarkson spotted in Adelaide as race for Zak Butters heats up
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I think there are 17 clubs interested in Zak Butters,” he said.
“We’re working hard to get better as a footy club and hopefully our form improves a little bit more in the second half of the year.”
It’s worth noting Clarkson also has family in Adelaide, which he insists is the reason for being in the City of Churches.
The Roos had already showed improvement this season with four wins before last weekend’s breakthrough victory over early-season premiership fancies Gold Coast.
Asked if it was time for North Melbourne to get aggressive in the off-season as they stalk a return to finals, having finished 16th or lower in each of the past six years, Clarkson said they’re “no different” to everyone else.
“Every club is trying to do exactly the same thing. They want their list to be better and we’re no different,” he said.
Butters becomes a restricted free agent at the end of this year and has put off a decision on his future until the end of the year.
The Victorian-born midfielder grew up a Western Bulldogs supporter, has a personal relationship with Dogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, and is widely tipped to make a move to the Kennel.
Geelong has also been linked to Butters, but the Roos are making sure their hat is also in the ring.
North have also been heavily linked in the past with Adelaide defender Jordan Butts.
The 26-year-old is also out of contract at the end of 2026.
Last week, Butters admitted he is closing in on making a decision on his future.
“It’s obviously a big decision,” Butters told reporters on Wednesday.
“You think about everything ... there’s emotion attached to it, definitely. No matter what the decision is, it’s going to be a pretty emotional one from my end, no matter what I do.”
Originally published as Alastair Clarkson lands in Adelaide as North Melbourne coach admits interest in Zak Butters
