“Arrogance”: Port Adelaide blasts Victorian club’s boss over Butters remarks

Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr has slammed Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly for his remarks, saying Zak Butters is definitely returning to Victoria.

Butters is being pursued by the Pies, as well as Richmond, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, but it's understood no decision has been made.

Kelly, on ABC before Thursday night's game, said: “Zak's coming back to Victoria and we'd like him to consider our club”. Carr didn't take too kindly to the comments.

"I feel like the arrogance of certain football clubs, Collingwood in particular ... he's a leader of their football club, if that's the way they want to lead...,” The Power coach said.

“It's not us, it's not who we are as a football club and how we carry ourselves. We're a football club that respects everyone in the competition and doesn't put ourselves above anyone.

“I feel like it's not the same at every football club. It's disrespectful to the club, the competition and Zak, in particular.

“I'm sure he would be disappointed in those comments to throw it out there like you know what's going on.”

Carr insisted no decision has been made.

“I wouldn't have thought so. There's still a fair bit to play out.”

Reports have suggested the Tigers could be in the box seat to land Butters given the contract offer tabled to lure him to Punt Road.

Butters is expected to depart South Australia at season's end, but is looking to assist the Power by not walking to the draft, ultimately forcing a trade.

Richmond has both the bounty and draft capital to facilitate a move for the star midfielder while satisfying Port Adelaide.

The Tigers currently holds Pick 1 in this year's draft, as well as 19, 37 and 55, while the use of future selections will be needed to lure Butters.

The Cats and Bulldogs do not possess as strong a hand as the Punt Road club and will not be able to offer the same amount of money, but are both much closer to a premiership than the rebuilding Tigers.

Geelong is set to meet with Butters is a bid to convince him to join the Cats.

Any array of picks Port Adelaide receive will assist the Alberton club in successfully acquiring father-son gun Dougie Cochrane, who is tipped to go in the first few selections of the 2026 draft.