Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Zak Butters says AFL could reconsider rules on player moves
Zak Butters has left Port Adelaide and joined the Western Bulldogs on a nine-year deal.
The midfielder says he knew he would leave while still playing his final season with Port Adelaide, after discussing his plans with the club.
He considered announcing his decision during the season but said the AFL system was not ready for that.
Under current AFL rules, players generally make an official move during the off-season through trade, free agency, drafts or another selection process.
Butters said he could see a case for changing that approach in the future.
His move followed interest from several clubs, including Geelong, Collingwood and Richmond.
He said he took time to choose because the long contract could shape the rest of his career.
Zak Butters says the AFL could reconsider its rules on when players can announce moves to other clubs.
The midfielder said he considered going public with his plan to return to Victoria while playing his final season at Port Adelaide.
Butters said the AFL landscape was not yet ready for such announcements during the season.
He has joined the Western Bulldogs as a free agent on a nine-year deal worth $2 million a season.
Butters said he took his time deciding, ultimately choosing the club he wanted to join.
- Who
- Zak Butters, a midfielder and three-time All Australian.
- What
- He joined the Western Bulldogs on a nine-year deal and said the AFL could reconsider its rules on player moves.
- When
- The Bulldogs unveiled him on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The unveiling took place at Whitten Oval in Melbourne.
- Why
- Butters wanted to return to Victoria and said he took time to choose the right club.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
But I think the AFL landscape isn't probably quite ready for it.
But definitely, I feel like in the future, I couldn't see why it wouldn't be a bad thing.
It's a pretty long contract and it's probably the rest of my career so I wanted to make sure I get it right.
Butters had open conversations with Port Adelaide and knew he was leaving the club.
Butters considered announcing his plan to return to Victoria.
Butters returned to his family property at Darley before making his decision.
The Western Bulldogs unveiled Butters at Whitten Oval after signing him as a free agent.
- New club
- Western Bulldogs
- Previous club
- Port Adelaide
- Contract
- Nine years
- Reported value
- $2 million a season
- Announcement venue
- Whitten Oval
Sources
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