Zak Butters Joins Western Bulldogs as Port Adelaide Gets No. 5 Pick
Has joined the Western Bulldogs after Port Adelaide declined to match the restricted free agent’s offer. The move followed approval of a five-club trade…
Zak Butters has joined the Western Bulldogs after Port Adelaide declined to match the restricted free agent’s offer, bringing a major move in the AFL trade period to completion. Port Adelaide will receive a first-round compensation pick, currently No.5, while the Bulldogs add a three-time All Australian to their midfield.
The switch was approved after the AFL signed off on a separate five-club deal involving Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs, Melbourne, Hawthorn and Carlton. Butters said he was excited to begin the next chapter at the club he supported growing up.
“It's felt like a long time coming to get to this point, but since I decided to commit to the Bulldogs, I have just wanted to get in the building as soon as possible and meet everyone,” Butters said.
Port Adelaide chose not to match the Bulldogs’ offer. That decision allowed the 26-year-old to move as a free agent and gave the Power the compensation pick.
Five-club deal reshapes draft picks
The broader trade involved two players and draft picks spread over three years. It also helped Port Adelaide secure the draft capital it needs to match Essendon's expected bid at pick No.1 for academy prospect Dougie Cochrane, as well as its 2027 prospects Zemes Pilot and Louis Salopek, according to AFL.com.au.
The five-club transaction was approved earlier on Friday. The clubs involved were Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Hawthorn and Carlton. It formed the backdrop to Butters’ move, though his free-agent switch was confirmed separately when Port Adelaide declined to match.
Butters leaves Port Adelaide after playing 156 games and kicking 73 goals. The club selected him with pick No.12 in the 2019 draft. He departs as a three-time All Australian and three-time best and fairest winner.
AFL.com.au reported that Butters had nominated the Bulldogs as his preferred destination. His ties to the club run back to childhood: he grew up supporting the Bulldogs, and his parents and family still live in the area.
“For me, I grew up looking up to the Bulldogs players and idolising them,” Butters said. “To be in the position now to be that role model in the west that can hopefully inspire other kids to chase their dreams and play AFL, it is really special.”
He also described the prospect of running out for the club as something he once thought would not happen. “I'll be so excited to run out in front of our fans,” he said. “For a few years I probably thought it was never going to be possible – to put the colours on for the team you grew up loving and supporting.”
Bulldogs expect a midfield boost
Butters has averaged 30 disposals and six clearances per game, according to AFL.com.au. He also earned State of Origin selection for Victoria alongside his new midfield teammates Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards.
Bulldogs Player List boss Michael Regan said the club was pleased to bring him in and pointed to his competitive qualities and experience. “Zak is one of the competition's genuine superstars ... he brings a competitive streak and match-winning attributes that will only strengthen our current group,” Regan said.
Regan said Butters would add quality to the midfield and leadership in the locker room. He also noted the player’s connection to Melbourne’s western suburbs, where Butters grew up as a Bulldogs supporter.
Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps thanked Butters for his contribution and said the club respected his decision. “Zak has been a significant part of our club since 2019 and we thank him for everything he has given to Port Adelaide,” Cripps said.
The move leaves Port Adelaide with the compensation pick currently listed as No.5, while Butters prepares to join the Western Bulldogs after 156 games for the Power.
Source: afl.com.au
