Four Victorian Powerhouse Clubs Compete to Secure Port Adelaide Superstar Under Contract

Four prominent Victorian clubs are set to make a play for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters this year, even though he is under contract until 2026.

The two-time Power best and fairest winner will become a free agent at the end of 2026, but Footy Classified’s Sam McClure reports that Essendon, Richmond, Hawthorn, and Collingwood believe they could acquire him this season.

“There are now four Victorian teams aware that his loyalty may waver not next year during free agency, but by the end of this season,” McClure told Nine’s Footy Classified.

“There are various reasons why these clubs think the Bacchus Marsh product might be tempted to make a move. One is that Port Adelaide may not meet the expectations Butters had for them, especially heading into this season.

“Another critical point is that Zak Butters has formed a particularly close relationship with Ken Hinkley, who is leaving at the end of the year. While he also gets on well with Josh Carr, these four clubs believe he’s at risk of being traded out this season.”

Footy Classified is now available as a podcast! Subscribe or follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts

“If Port doesn’t achieve the results they anticipated this year, they might reconsider letting Butters go, especially if high-end draft picks are offered by the likes of Richmond and Essendon, both of whom have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft,” he added.

Butters is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery and may miss up to another month.

He has also been previously linked with a move to the Western Bulldogs.