Zak Butters transforms Bulldogs midfield into 2027 premiership contender
Butters joining Bontempelli and Richards gives the Bulldogs what AFL experts rank as the most talented centre-ball-up group for 2027.
Zak Butters has signed with the Western Bulldogs as a free agent. Butters joins captain Marcus Bontempelli and 2025 club champion Ed Richards to form a midfield with rare size, skill and pace.
"No club boasts as much class in its midfield top three," the ranking noted. The Bulldogs already ranked in the top six for centre clearance and differential advantage last year.
Fremantle and Hawthorn also upgraded their midfield depth during the trade period and loom as 2027 contenders. Fremantle's Jackson, Serong, Bolton and Brayshaw ranked number three in the AFL for centre clearances in 2026, while Hawthorn added proven midfielder Merrett to their group of Newcombe, Day and Ward.
- Top six
- Bulldogs' 2026 centre clearance ranking
- Number three
- Fremantle's centre clearance ranking in
- Luke Beveridge
- Coach
- Ed Richards
- Club champion 2025
Why it mattersThe midfield dominates modern AFL: controlling stoppages and clearances gives a team first access to the ball and first chance to score.
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