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Important SN update for SouthlandButters lifts lid on handling intense trade rumours
SEN • June 25th, 2025 11:15 am
Port Adelaide star Zak Butters has lifted the lid on how he handles the relentless speculation about his future despite being contracted until 2026.
Power have reportedly offered Butters a two-year extension to take him through to unrestricted free agency in 2028. The kicker in the deal is that there’s then a player option for Butters to extend for a further six years until the end of 2034 if he so desires.
With an eight-year agreement essentially tabled, the spanner in the works is interest from Victorian clubs namely Geelong and the Bulldogs who are reportedly keen to poach the star in 12 months’ time.
It means the interest on his future will continue and no doubt intensify for another year.
“It is intense and full on,” Butters told SEN SA Breakfast. “But I can understand the passion and love from the supporters.
“I don’t hate the energy they bring and how much they love the players.
“For me it’s going to be a big decision.
“My manager is in Melbourne, I don’t see him a whole lot and I don’t love a phone call with anyone to be honest even mum.
“I let him do his job, he checks in at the right time and knows I’m in the footy season and have a job to do. We have a good relationship. Footy is the most important thing for me.
“It will naturally in time become more of a focus, when you’re in the middle of a season it’s not one thing I’m thinking about in terms of myself, it’s more about the team.
“I’m a leader at the club so I’m focused on that. Winning makes everything better, so I’m trying to help the boys get wins.”
With a change in coach looming with Ken Hinkley stepping aside at season’s end making way for Josh Carr, Butters was asked if alterations to leadership would impact his future.
“When you know change is coming you want to see how it goes and pans out,” he said.
“It’s a bit too early to dive into deep conversations while Kenny is at the helm. I haven’t had too many conversations yet but I’m always talking to Carr.
“I have good relationships with all my coaches.”
Port sit 12th on the ladder and continue their season against a crisis-hit Carlton on Thursday night.
