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FWC on Sport Nation guideTrade talk: “Genuine three-horse race” for Butters
SEN • June 29th, 2026 11:07 am
The race for Zak Butters has three serious competitors, according to Tom Morris.
The Port Adelaide star’s name is the biggest in trade circles in 2026 with many believing he’ll join the Western Bulldogs.
SEN’s Morris concedes the Dogs are right at the pointy end of the Butters sweepstakes but there are a couple of legitimate contenders who are looming.
“I don’t think the Western Bulldogs are as far out in front as what people are saying,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.
“I think it’s a genuine three-horse race between Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.”
Morris went through the pros and cons for each of the three clubs.
“The benefits of being at Geelong is you’re likely going to compete on a yearly basis,” he continued.
“You won’t get paid as much as you would elsewhere.
“The Western Bulldogs has the emotional attachment because he grew up a Dogs supporter. We know that he and ‘Bont’ (Marcus Bontempelli) love each other.
“The Dogs have gone really hard and remain confident.
“And then Richmond. If he really wants to look after Port Adelaide, Richmond is the easiest deal to get done when Port matches the bid.
“They have the draft picks and they’ve got all money in the world.”
Kane Cornes interjected: “Of the reasons to leave, I don’t think Port Adelaide getting looked after is at the forefront of his mind.
“It’s an added bonus for him, because he clearly loves the club.
“If he goes to Richmond it’s money, and down the track (they could compete).
“If he goes to the Western Bulldogs it’s for the emotional attachment and there’s a chance they could really compete.
“And if he goes to Geelong it’s not about money, it’s about winning.”
Butters was superb in Port’s massive Showdown win over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night.
He amassed 37 disposals and 23 contested possessions as well as 13 clearances (five centre clearances), 11 inside 50s, nine score involvements and seven tackles to claim his second Showdown Medal.
