Power star Zak Butters tells Port Adelaide he wants to return to Victoria

Zak Butters has told Port Adelaide he wants to return to Victoria in a long-expected move with massive trade implications.

Steve Larkin
AAP
Zak Butters has told Port Adelaide he wants a trade to an un-named Victorian club.
Zak Butters has told Port Adelaide he wants a trade to an un-named Victorian club. Credit: AAP

Zak Butters has told Port Adelaide he’s leaving for an undisclosed Victorian club.

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.

Butters’ future move to Victoria had been flagged throughout the season, which for Port ended with a win over Essendon on Sunday.

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The brilliant midfielder told Port’s hierarchy of his intentions on day one of exit meetings.

“Zak has been an outstanding servant to the football club,” Port said in a statement on Monday.

“He is a three-time John Cahill Medallist and dual All-Australian and we thank him for everything he has given to Port Adelaide.

“The club will now work to facilitate the best outcome for Port Adelaide through this process.”

Port have pledged to match any bid for Butters, rather than accept pick five as free-agency compensation.

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Butters’ season ended early because of an ankle injury - he would have been headed for a fourth-straight club champion award.

Drafted in 2019 via the Western Jets, he played 156 games for Port.

The 2023 AFL Coaches Association’s player of the year was twice voted the league’s most courageous player.

Butters had been Port’s acting captain in the absence of Connor Rozee and consistently maintained he wouldn’t make any move known until season’s end.

His late injury, which cost him the last six games, is unlikely to stop him earning a third All-Australian jumper when the ceremonial team is announced on Tuesday night.

Originally published on AAP

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