Western Bulldogs sign Zak Butters following a nine-year contract offer

The Western Bulldogs secured the signing of Zak Butters after the midfielder chose the club over Geelong. The 26-year-old reportedly reached his decision due to a strong personal connection to the club and his childhood support of the team. The Bulldogs previously believed they had little chance of signing Butters, leading them to investigate alternative trade targets such as Matt Rowell. To finalize the agreement, the club presented Butters with a nine-year contract, described as the largest offer in league history. This personnel move serves as a major development heading into the upcoming trade period. The decision is expected to influence the movement of other players, including Toby Greene, Rowan Marshall, Zach Merrett, and Matt Rowell.

• 3:16 AMAFL — The Dogs 'had lost hope' of signing Butters. This is what changed