Zak Butters trade rumours dominate Port Adelaide's turbulent season
Port Adelaide has grappled with a turbulent year, navigating the 2026 season with a newly-appointed coach and the poorly-kept secret that one of its key talents would seek a trade.
The 2026 season has been a tumultuous year for Port Adelaide. Newly-appointed coach Josh Carr had to navigate an injury-riddled list, finishing with 15 unavailable players. The season was further complicated by contract decisions and Zak Butters' request for a trade to Victoria. Butters, a dual All-Australian, has dominated headlines throughout the off-season as one of the biggest free-agents available.
He has confirmed his decision to return home, citing a desire to be closer to family and friends. Port Adelaide's chief executive Matthew Richardson has stated that the club will match any bid submitted for Butters, giving them control over the trade. The club's main concern is maximizing its draft haul, as they rarely have early selections in recent years, leading to a talent depth gap.
They also have upcoming academy and father-son draft picks, which they will need to bid on. Despite the challenges, Port Adelaide managed seven wins in the 2026 season and had a clear narrative of trying to match Butters' talent with the best. However, defensively, they struggled, finishing 10th for the campaign.
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