Adelaide Crows defender Jordon Butts has defected to the Western Bulldogs, exercising his unrestricted free agency rights.
The 26-year-old joins Luke Beveridge's backline on a five-year deal, with Band 3 compensation - currently Pick 33 - heading to the Crows as a result of Butts' decision.
Butts informed decision-makers at West Lakes of his intentions in late September, having undergone a medical at the Kennel in the days prior.
celebrates a goal with his team mates during the round two AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, on March 20, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images
Butts was drafted by the Crows with Pick 39 in the 2019 Rookie Draft, and managed 94 senior appearances in the seven seasons since, falling down the pecking order in recent years as the Crows embarrassment of back-half riches came home to roost.
Butts fills a dire need in Beveridge's side, with the Bulldogs' front-half populated by names like modern marvel Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards, Aaron Naughton, and the returning Sam Darcy.
The acquisition of Pick 33 takes Adelaide's hand to Picks 13, 32, 33, 40, 53 and 89.
The Crows receive a draft pick for the loss of a player viewed primarily as a depth piece in Matthew Nicks' side, with the likes of Josh Worrell, Mark Keane, James Borlase and Nick Murray able to capably hold down the key defensive posts.
Western Bulldogs player acquisition and strategy manager Michael Regan said praised Butts in the wake of the move becoming official.
"We are thrilled that a player of Jordon's calibre chose to join the Western Bulldogs for 2027 and beyond," Regan said.
“Jordon is a talented and competitive key defender who has proven he can negate and intercept against the best key forwards in the competition.
“His skillset complements our existing backline, and as a high-quality footballer and person, he'll add to our culture while giving himself and our defensive group the best chance to flourish.
“We look forward to welcoming Jordon and partner Georgie to Whitten Oval over the pre-season.”
Butts himself expressed gratitude to the Crows for giving him his AFL chance, and excitement for the chapter ahead.
Butts said he was thrilled to be joining the Bulldogs, with plenty to look forward to ahead of the 2027 campaign.
“I am super excited to be joining the Bulldogs and getting to meet all the boys over the coming weeks,” Butts said.
“I'm motivated to come into the club and make a difference, continuing to grow as a player and help the team wherever possible, working alongside some really talented individuals.
“There is a lot of excitement and optimism around the club at the moment and I couldn't be more pleased to be a part of it as we chase success together.
“I'm extremely grateful to the Adelaide Football Club for allowing me to live out the dream of playing AFL football, meeting some great people and sharing amazing experiences in South Australia.”
Well, Adelaide got screwed.
Anyone surprised?
Footscray’s backline just got a massive uplift – and pic 33 doesn’t go anywhere near to replacing him.
He’s 26 – not 36.
In a world where all of Worrell, Keane, Borlase, Murray and Butts are all playing well… Butts is the automatic tall “stopper” and plays alongside Worrell and Keane, unless the opposition requires another bigger body and Murray replaces either Worrell or Keane.
The statement that Butts was “viewed primarily as a depth player” show the article was written after looking at the number of games played – with plain ignorance or complete disregard to injury.