No player’s future will be more heavily scrutinised this 2026 season than that of Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, who has long been linked to a departure from Alberton for a return to his home state of Victoria.
In the latest episode of the Midweek Tackle digital-only show ‘Tackle The Headline’, panellists Lauren Wood, Jon Ralph and Scott Gullan rank every Victorian club’s chances of landing the midfielder this off-season, from 1 to 10.
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10. NORTH MELBOURNE
Jon Ralph says: “It’s not happening. Not many MCG games, not yet in the (premiership) window, it doesn’t help his off-field earnings – maybe in three years when they’re in the window.”
9. ESSENDON
Lauren Wood says: “North side of town, I know we keep saying this with Bacchus Marsh, but I think this is the reality. We’ve seen this with players in recent years, that the life side of it comes into it. They move into the next stage of their life, they might have some kids, you need the support around you. I don’t think we can discount that, but unfortunately for the Dons, they’re ninth of this list.
Jon Ralph says: “Ninth? I didn’t put them ninth! They’ve got the cap space, they’ve got the young midfield that’s building. But yeah, they probably need to find four or five A-grade players there. He’s only 30 minutes down the road (from Bacchus Marsh). And again, the one thing you keep hearing is that he’s a winner. Unfortunately, they don’t win finals right now at Essendon … he’s looking at trying to come back to win a premiership. Essendon is not the club to do that right now.”
Scott Gullan says: “Zak hasn’t got eight years to get near the finals. No, he’s not going to Essendon.”
8. CARLTON
Jon Ralph says: “Again, proximity there with Bacchus Marsh. They need those two first-round picks for (father-son pick) Cody Walker. Again, you might be able to trade some players out. They’re not really in flag contention, so again, you look at the nucleus there: Him, Jagga Smith, (Sam) Walsh, (Jacob) Weitering, (Patrick) Cripps, (Harry) McKay. Anytime you put Zak Butters into a team, all of a sudden it looks really good! He makes you a contender, but I think that’s again less likely because they might have to give up two, and maybe even more, to get Cody Walker.”
7. ST KILDA
Scott Gullan says: “Surely Gubby, SOS and Ross have an extra $5 million stashed away. They’re paying $5.8m for three players … they’re only going to be able to field 11 players or something! They’ll try, because that’s what Gubby and the boys do, but that would be a shock.”
Lauren Wood says: “Plus a million dollars to Mattaes Phillipou if you believe what you read … That’s a big credit card bill that one!”
6. COLLINGWOOD
Scott Gullan says: “We can never rule out Collingwood, because they’re Collingwood!”
Jon Ralph says: “They haven’t got a great draft hand, but they have got at least their full draft hand, so they can go three years into the future. It’s the Pies, he can maximise his off-field earnings as Nick Daicos does. Who cares about the other 43 (players), we’ll pay $1.9m to Nick, we’ll pay $2m to Zak — the Nick and Zak show, it is box office baby. Not sure you can win a flag that way; that’s possible. They’ll be really strong about it, they’ll be very keen if he’s a free agent. If they have to trade for him, for a club that needs to use their first, second and third-round picks much more prudently than just throwing them all in one bucket for Zak Butters.”
5. MELBOURNE
Scott Gullan says: “They’ve got lots of picks, lots of cap space. Young talent, new coach look good — but it’s a build. They looked good for one week, it’s a build. And as you say, Waverley and Caufield (as training grounds) are a long way from Bacchus Marsh.
Jon Ralph says: “They are officially in the race. I’m sure clubs are offering significant deals right now, I’m sure they’re having communications through Tim Lamb to his manager saying: ‘If you’re considering it, we want to be a part of it.’”
4. RICHMOND
Jon Ralph says: “It’s a chance, you’re telling me there’s a chance?! Vast cap space, perfect proximity to the city … new facilities, you’re playing at the MCG. As Adem Yze says, you just get to walk across there – it’s so good on a Friday night. The flag window at some stage (comes), it’s a bit premature there. They would give up the picks, and of course they need an elite mid. That’s why they’re fourth because of that cap window, but I don’t think that’s the club he’ll get to eventually.”
3. HAWTHORN
Scott Gullan says: “They’re into everybody, so we’ve got to address them quickly. Mitch has probably met his mum, dad and everyone else! Dingley to Bacchus Marsh is a long way, a long way. The wind (there), there’s issues … they’re going to have the picks to do it, they’re going to have the money obviously, because they have endless money. Finals isn’t an issue, MCG home games — I like that — but it’s a long way from Dingley to Bacchus Marsh.
Jon Ralph asked: “Question without notice: They weren’t prepared to offer four first-round picks for Zach Merrett (last trade period), but they had a little think about it. Would they offer four first-rounders for a bloke who’s only (26), knowing of course he’s a (restricted) free agent but that deal will be matched?
Scott Gullan says: “He’s younger than Zach Merrett. With all due respect, Merrett is a very good player, but he’s a better player. I’d do four right now, lock it away, see you later.”
Lauren Wood says: “All chips are in for someone like him.”
2. GEELONG
Jon Ralph says: “Here’s the sell: ‘What do so many people say about him, including Ken Hinkley?’ He’s a winner. Geelong wins a heck of a lot of games under Chris Scott; in fact, the best home-and-away record in history — and of course, an amazing finals record as well. He plays with Bailey Smith, (Max) Holmes, Tanner Bruhn; he makes them an absolutely elite midfield straight away. The lifestyle is fantastic. When they say a ‘half day’ down there, it’s a half day!”
“Will they pay him above $1.5m? If you want the biggest bang for buck, you are not going to the Geelong Football Club. But, if it’s eight times 1.5, that’s $12 million, I reckon your manager Peter Lenton can set you up financially. And of course, their flag window goes on, and on, and on.”
1. WESTERN BULLDOGS
Scott Gullan says: “This is very easy, the Western Bulldogs! He barracked for them as a kid, and loves them. He wants to play with Bont, who wouldn’t? The cap room may not be as much as he’d get somewhere else.
Jon Ralph says: “So, he won’t get $2 million, but he might get $1.8m?
Scott Gullan says: “Can he live with $1.8m? Probably can. Marvel games may be an issue as he loves the MCG, but it doesn’t matter. He wants to play the red, white and blue. He grew up (supporting them), has all the posters — done!”
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