Zak Butters selects Western Bulldogs as preferred destination

Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has officially nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred club for the 2027 season. The restricted free agent informed his current team of the decision following a long-term pursuit involving multiple clubs. The Western Bulldogs have reportedly put forward a nine-year offer worth between $1.8 million and $2 million per season to secure the three-time All-Australian. Butters, a childhood fan of the Bulldogs from Darley, chose the club over Geelong after a competitive recruitment process. Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs are now scheduled to open formal negotiations to facilitate the move. Butters leaves Port Adelaide after eight seasons, during which he played 156 games and served as a captain.

• 11:47 PMAFL — Butters' big call: Superstar makes his choice of new club