The AFL has issued a warning to all clubs over trades ahead of the upcoming off-season as talks over a deal between Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs over Zak Butters raise eyebrows.
Butters announced his desire to join the Bulldogs amid heavy interest from multiple Victorian clubs, opting to exercise his free agency rights and head back to his home state.
But what is he worth?
If the Power opt not to match the Bulldogs' bid, they will receive Pick 5 as compensation. It has been floated that the two clubs can engage in a separate deal, which may include forward Todd Marshall and multiple first-round picks.
AFL football boss Greg Swann laid down a strong reminder.
"We contacted all clubs a couple of weeks ago, and we will contact them again ahead of the free agency and Trade Period to reinforce that separate deals have to stand up on merit," he told The Age.
"You can't be trading a player who hasn't played a game all year or for two years for multiple first round picks or something.
"There is still a balance; we have to be mindful of the fact some of the time you think a deal looks a bit off at the time, and it turns out to be a decent trade a year or so later.
"Clubs know that, and we are onto it. We will be in contact with them, and they know deals have to stand up on merit or they won't be approved."
