Zak Butters’ proposed move from Port Adelaide to the Western Bulldogs could become the AFL’s major trade deal of the year if the Power match the Bulldogs’ free agency offer for the triple All-Australian midfielder.
Michael Regan, the Bulldogs’ player acquisition and strategy manager, said a multi-club arrangement was one option being considered to satisfy Port Adelaide’s demands.
The Bulldogs have made a nine-year offer worth $18 million for Butters. Should Port Adelaide match it and negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the midfielder could instead be placed in the pre-season draft.
That would leave Richmond in a position to select Butters without giving up a trade package, although Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps is hoping to avoid that outcome.
The negotiations are unfolding as the AFL trade period enters its second day, with Butters’ potential move threatening to develop into a complex multi-club deal.
