Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Zak Butters says he still has a “little bit to play through” in deciding which Victorian club he’ll join after leaving Port Adelaide.
Butters has confirmed he’s departing Alberton as a restricted free agent, with Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood and Richmond making huge offers for the 25-year-old.
“Next steps, obviously a bit to play through in the next little bit with my manager and family, and trying to decide on what’s next for me,” Butters said in a video released by Port on Monday.
“And yeah, I’ll look to get that sorted in the next little bit.
“The club have been great throughout everything, so yeah, I’m sure they’ll work together and we’ll get something done.”
Butters’ move to Victoria had been flagged throughout the season, which for Port ended with a win over Essendon on Sunday.
The brilliant midfielder told Port’s hierarchy of his intentions on day one of exit meetings.
“It has been the toughest decision in my life and one that I haven’t taken lightly,” Butters said.
“I’ve loved my time in Adelaide and everything the city has given to me and the football club has given to me.”
Victorian-born Butters wanted to be closer to family and friends and “enjoy some more time with them and cherish their moments with them”.
“I’ll always be a Port Adelaide person. I’ll always value this club and what it’s done for me,” he said.
“So many special memories that I will take with me and hold with me forever.”
Port described Butters as an “outstanding servant to the football club”, it said in a statement on Monday.
“The club will now work to facilitate the best outcome for Port Adelaide through this process,” the club said.
Port have pledged to match any bid for Butters, rather than accept pick five as free-agency compensation.
Butters’ season ended early because of an ankle injury – he would have been headed for a fourth-straight club champion award.
Drafted in 2019 via the Western Jets, he played 156 games for Port.
The 2023 AFL Coaches Association’s player of the year was twice voted the league’s most courageous player.
Butters had been Port’s acting captain in the absence of Connor Rozee and consistently maintained he wouldn’t make any move known until season’s end.
His late injury, which cost him the last six games, is unlikely to stop him earning a third All-Australian jumper when the ceremonial team is announced on Tuesday night.
