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.
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.