{
  "id": 2944094,
  "title": "Zak Butters informs Port Adelaide he will depart club",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/zak-butters-informs-port-adelaide-he-will-depart-club",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T04:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-24/port-adelaide-zak-butters-leaves-club-restricted-free-agent/107071652"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Zak Butters has requested to depart Port Adelaide via free agency, signaling his intention to return home to Victoria. The 25-year-old three-time best and fairest winner's future has been a dominant topic throughout the season, with offers of up to $18 million over eight years attracting interest from Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, and the Western Bulldogs. Butters expressed that the decision was difficult, yet he felt it was time to be closer to family and friends. Despite loving his time in Adelaide, he values the memories he made with the club and acknowledges the support from fans. Port Adelaide has committed to facilitating Butters' request while securing the best outcome for the club. The club stated that Butters will be forever in their debt for the opportunities provided during his tenure.",
  "summary": "Star Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters says he has made the decision to return to Victoria, and has requested to leave the Power via free agency.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "It’s official: Zak Butters declares he’s leaving Port Adelaide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/its-official-zak-butters-declares-hes-leaving-port-adelaide",
        "published": "2026-08-24T04:04:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "It’s official: Zak Butters declares he’s leaving Port Adelaide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/its-official-zak-butters-declares-hes-leaving-port-adelaide-2940695",
        "published": "2026-08-24T04:04:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Zak Butters informs Port Adelaide he will depart club",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/zak-butters-informs-port-adelaide-he-will-depart-club-2947123",
        "published": "2026-08-24T04:50:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}