Luke Hodge Advises Zak Butters on AFL Future as Bulldogs Lead Race
AFL great Luke Hodge has urged star midfielder Zak Butters to make a "business decision" when determining his future, with one Victorian club reportedly in "pole position" to secure his services. Butters, the hottest free agent in the AFL, is out of contract at the end of this season, sparking intense interest from rival clubs.
Free Agency Frenzy for Butters
The 25-year-old Port Adelaide player qualifies as a restricted free agent, meaning the Power can match any offer and force a trade. Port Adelaide is desperate to retain the superstar, whom they drafted with pick No. 12 in 2018. However, big Victorian clubs including Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon, and Carlton are all in the mix, with the Western Bulldogs potentially holding an early advantage.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed that the Bulldogs "had a nibble" last year during the trade period. Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains confirmed on SEN that the club will try everything to convince Butters to join them this year.
Bulldogs' Strong Pitch
Bains highlighted Butters' background as a Bulldogs supporter growing up in the west and his outstanding recent record. "From our perspective, he grew up in the west, he was a Bulldogs supporter growing up, he's clearly an outstanding player, his record in recent years is as good as anyone's," Bains said on The Agenda Setters. "So if he were to make the decision to come back to Melbourne then we'd absolutely be trying everything we could to convince to come and play with us."
Cleary added that the Bulldogs' offer last year was around $1.7 million, and Butters' relationship with captain Marcus Bontempelli could be a key factor in their lead position. "The Dogs were prepared to go to $1.7m last year and they thought they were half a chance to lure him while in contract, and I think his relationship with Marcus Bontempelli will go a long way to having them in pole position," Cleary said.
Hodge's Warning on Money vs Success
Butters could command up to $2 million annually, but Hodge cautioned against prioritizing the highest salary. "I will say, if he's asking for $2m he's not going to win a flag. He has got to come back with a decision and say, 'I might take a little bit less, I might go for the $1.7m, $1.8m'," Hodge advised. "Take less money and get people around you to win a premiership. It's got to be a business decision for him. Don't go for the biggest price, go for a price where you are comfortable, going to get a lot of money, but you've also got people around you to build you up and play late in September."
League-Wide Interest in Butters
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, a guest panelist, emphasized Butters' universal appeal. "You talk about which club is the best fit ... an impact player like him around the ball who can hit the scoreboard they will fit in absolutely any team," Moore said. "You don't need to set up a team around him, just inject him and he'll have an impact."
As the AFL season progresses, Butters' decision will be closely watched, with the Western Bulldogs emerging as strong contenders to secure the talented midfielder's signature.
