Zak Butters picks Bulldogs in shock twist as AFL trade period begins
Star player Butters nominates Western Bulldogs after months of deliberation, upending this year's trade landscape.
After months of talks, Zak Butters chose Western Bulldogs instead of Geelong. The Port Adelaide star is a top-five player.
Butters will sign a nine-year deal worth close to $20 million. Butters' choice reshapes the 2026 trade period, which opens Friday for free agency and October 5 for 10 days of trading.
Port list manager Jason Cripps must now get the best price for Butters' exit. He must also cover salary-cap costs for other moves.
That includes a possible historic bid for Next Generation Academy prospect Dougie Cochrane. Geelong quickly signed Toby Greene as a free agent and is now chasing ruckman Rowan Marshall.
- Nine years
- Deal duration
- Close to 20 million dollars
- Deal value
- Friday October 9
- Free agency deadline
- Monday October 5
- Trade period begins
Why it mattersButters' nomination sets the tone for one of the biggest trade periods in recent years, with ripples affecting multiple clubs' list strategies and salary-cap planning.
AustraliaThe Bulldogs' move for Butters and subsequent cascading trades will reshape three AFL clubs' competitive prospects for 2027.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 h ago
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