Adelaide defender Jordon Butts is expected to remain with the Crows in 2026, despite strong interest from the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne.

According to AFL Media's Josh Gabelich, the Dogs and Kangaroos have explored the possibility of a trade for the out-of-favour key back as they look to upgrade their respective defensive stocks, but the Crows "have made it clear they don't want to lose Butts".

The Bulldogs pursuit comes after their failures to lure defenders Jack Silvagni and Callum Wilkie to the club, with a clear desire to boost their back six.

The Kangaroos reportedly held conversations with the Crows regarding the status of Butts, but they no longer will pursue him with Adelaide's stance clear.

Butts is contracted through the 2026 season and will enter free agency next year. He is expected to command plenty of attention next year as one of the top free agent defenders, with GWS star Jack Buckley recently recommitting to the Western Sydney-based outfit.

Adelaide defender Jordon Butts re-signs
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Jordon Butts of the Crows and Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos during the 2022 AFL Round 22 match between the Adelaide Crows and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on August 13, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Butts started and ended the 2025 season in the SANFL, playing 10 senior games across the year - the fewest since his debut season.

This was partially due to a collapsed lung Butts suffered against the Bulldogs in Round 18, as he did not return to AFL action following his recovery. He played in the Crows' SANFL finals campaign rather than feature in the AFL side's straight sets exit.