Todd Marshall trade could unlock Zak Butters move to Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide may trade Todd Marshall to the Bulldogs to let Port keep pick No. 5 as Butters compensation.
Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs are exploring a complex two-part strategy to get Zak Butters to the Bulldogs while Port retains a crucial draft pick as free agency compensation. Todd Marshall, a Port utility player contracted to 2029, would be sent to the Bulldogs in a separate trade involving draft capital, allowing Port to walk away with three first-round selections.
Under one scenario, Port would receive pick No. 5 as Butters compensation, plus pick No. 13 and a future first-rounder in exchange for Marshall. The AFL has warned all clubs against "secret deals and unapproved trades", and any arrangement will face significant scrutiny.
A secondary trade would need separate AFL approval to stand independently from the Butters compensation move.
- 2029
- Marshall's contract end
- No. 5
- Compensation pick number
- No. 13 plus future first-rounder
- Additional picks for Port
- Three
- Total first-rounders for Port
Why it mattersBoth clubs are pushing the boundary of trade law-the deal would require AFL sign-off and tests whether clubs can engineer outcomes the rules were meant to prevent.
AustraliaAFL trade rules are about to be tested as two major clubs navigate how to satisfy free agency compensation while still securing the players they want.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
