Zak Butters’ proposed move to the Western Bulldogs could become the AFL trade period’s defining deal after Port Adelaide indicated it may match the club’s nine-year, $18 million offer for the restricted free agent.
Butters has made clear that he wants to join the Bulldogs, but Port Adelaide’s decision could determine whether the triple All-Australian midfielder moves directly to his preferred destination or becomes part of a more complicated negotiation.
Bulldogs player acquisition and strategy manager Michael Regan said a multi-club arrangement was among the possibilities being considered to satisfy the Power’s demands if they match the offer.
Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps said the club was examining every potential structure, including player swaps and the movement of draft selections.
“We’re exploring all different options, whether it be trade involving players, involving picks, moving picks, sliding picks,” Cripps said. “We don’t have the exact answer [on] which way it’s going to play out.”
If an agreement cannot be reached after Port match the Bulldogs’ offer, Butters could theoretically enter the pre-season draft, where Richmond could select him without a trade fee. Cripps said the Power hoped to avoid that outcome.
Early AFL trade period deals take shape
Three trades were agreed on the opening day of the period, including two involving Collingwood. Scott Pendlebury moved to Gold Coast for pick 65, while Jesse Hogan joined the Magpies in exchange for selection 75 going to Greater Western Sydney.
The largest completed deal saw former Essendon captain Zach Merrett join Hawthorn for picks 15 and 25, along with the Hawks’ 2028 second-round selection.
Gold Coast could have signed Pendlebury as an unrestricted free agent, but chose to trade in order to protect the compensation selection it expects to receive for Ben King. That pick would be No.7 if the Suns do not match Hawthorn’s offer.
Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch described the early agreements as “tick-the-box” deals, while warning that negotiations for Richmond defender Jayden Short would be more difficult. He said salary-cap space, available list positions and Richmond’s demands remained obstacles.
Jordan De Goey, who has a year remaining on his contract, is also set to attract attention as he considers his next deal. Leppitsch did not rule out a trade, while he also indicated Collingwood would listen to interest in defender Dan Houston.
Rowan Marshall remains central to St Kilda negotiations
St Kilda football boss Lenny Hayes confirmed the club was prepared to trade ruckman Rowan Marshall to Geelong, a year after the player unsuccessfully sought a move to the Cats, but only if the terms suited the Saints.
Geelong general manager of football Andrew Mackie has ruled out surrendering the club’s first-round pick for Marshall. Hayes said St Kilda wanted either a selection or a player, potentially in combination, as part of any agreement.
The Saints must also negotiate with Brisbane over midfielder Sam Marshall, who has requested a move to Moorabbin.
Elsewhere, North Melbourne forward Zane Duursma wants to join Melbourne, although Kangaroos list boss Brady Rawlings said he hoped to persuade the 2023 draft’s No.4 pick to remain if a suitable deal could not be reached.
Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney is weighing whether to stay at the Demons or move to West Coast after initial interest from the Eagles and Essendon. The Bombers have since chosen to prioritise younger midfielders.
Essendon confirmed interest in Geelong’s Jack Bowes, while injured Bombers defender Jordan Ridley wants to join the Cats. Carlton are pursuing Greater Western Sydney veteran Lachie Whitfield, although the Giants confirmed Harry Himmelberg would remain at the club.
