The bold decision Port Adelaide needs to contemplate following ‘concerning’ early season defeats

Nathan Brown has put forth the idea that Port Adelaide might want to contemplate trading their star midfielder Zak Butters at the conclusion of this season, particularly due to his anticipated exit in free agency at the end of 2026.

The talented midfielder has reportedly assured the club that he intends to fulfil his contract, yet he has been linked with interest from clubs such as Geelong, Hawthorn, and the Western Bulldogs.

Port Adelaide suffered a heavy defeat against the Bulldogs in Ballarat during round eight, losing by 90 points, which has brought their record to 4-4 with a percentage of 87.

Brown believes that Port Adelaide’s window for securing a premiership has closed, and with coach Ken Hinkley expected to part ways with the club at season’s end, he argues that it may be time for a significant overhaul of the team.

“Port Adelaide has faced a couple of heavy defeats away from home, and it’s concerning,” Brown remarked on Nine’s Sunday AFL Footy Show.

“I look at this situation and wonder, ‘Is it time for Port Adelaide to start their rebuild?’ Most people seem to think Butters will depart at the end of 2026. Should they try to trade him at the end of 2025 and begin cleaning up and rejuvenating the squad with Tasmania joining the competition?”

“You’ve also got Miles Bergman, who many believe could be on his way out at the end of 2025, and critical decisions surrounding players like Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jeremy Finlayson, Lachie Jones, Esava Ratugolea, Jordon Sweet, and even Travis Boak, who ultimately gets to decide his own future—he may call it a day at the end of this season.”

“A great deal could change at Port Adelaide, especially with Tasmania entering the league, and they need to start rebuilding their roster sooner rather than later, given the concerning signs we’ve seen.”

“Currently sitting at 4-4, mathematically they are still in the running for finals, but if they manage to scrape into the top eight, I doubt they would pose a serious threat.”

“They should be looking towards next season to secure the picks necessary for their future.”

There are reports suggesting that Butters’ representatives have met with those from Geelong, however, the Bulldogs stand as the leading contenders to secure his signature, particularly as he grew up a supporter of theirs.