Zak Butters fixes sights on Western Bulldogs move

Port Adelaide's Zak Butters has expressed his desire to join the Western Bulldogs. The three-time best and fairest winner requested to leave Port Adelaide in August and return to Victoria. The Western Bulldogs have confirmed that Butters informed them of his wish to join the club. The Bulldogs stated they will work with Port Adelaide to find a suitable outcome during the upcoming player movement period.

Port Adelaide holds the right to match Butters' bid and force the Bulldogs into a trade for the restricted free agent. The 26-year-old has been linked with offers from Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, and potentially the Bulldogs themselves. Butters reportedly received a nine-year deal worth up to $2 million per season from the Western Bulldogs, which would see him partner with Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards.

Upon announcing his decision to return home, Butters said it was a difficult decision, though he appreciated his time in Adelaide and wanted to spend more time with family and friends. Butters, a three-time All-Australian, won three best-and-fairest awards with Port Adelaide and served as captain this year due to Connor Rozee's hamstring injury.

His last game in Port colors was a loss to St Kilda in round 18, when he suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury that ended his season prematurely. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has long admired Butters and openly discussed the club's intention to attract the star midfielder this season.