Port exploring pick swaps to maximise Butters deal
Port Adelaide is exploring pick swaps while deciding whether to trade for Zak Butters or accept a compensation pick.
Port Adelaide is weighing its options after Zak Butters signalled his departure, holding talks with multiple clubs about how to best use its draft picks in the 2026 trade period. The Power will decide between taking a compensation pick (likely picks 4 and 5) or forcing a trade with the Western Bulldogs, who would give up pick 12 plus two future first-round picks.
The interest rivals show in moving up the board will influence Port's choice. Giants, who want to trade up to protect their academy prospect Ethan Matthews, are among the clubs interested.
Port must decide before the end of the free agency period on Friday, with Western Bulldogs expected to lodge paperwork for Butters as late as Friday afternoon.
- 4 and 5
- Compensation picks likely
- pick 12 plus two future first-round picks
- Bulldogs trade offer
- Friday end of free agency period
- Deadline
Why it mattersPort's choice will reshape the entire 2026 trade period, affecting which clubs land multiple early picks and the direction of each team's list building.
AustraliaHow Port resolves this trade will affect which AFL clubs get which draft picks and which players move to which teams this October.
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