It's implausible that one could overstate Zak Butters' importance to the Port Adelaide footy club.
He reminded the landscape of his brilliance once again on Saturday night, helming his side to a mighty upset over their crosstown rivals, and collecting best on ground honours in the process.
His peerless form this season has led many to applaud the maturity with which he's handled his impending free agency decision. Where many wither under the scrutiny and speculation, the 25-year-old has flourished.
But make no mistake, he's the biggest fish in the market this off-season, and Port will be out to maximise their return for him, should he do as is predicted, and sign for a Victorian club.
It's unlikely the bounty received for Butters, given the 'restricted' nature of his free agency, will address all of the limping club's needs. They'd also be understandably reticent to part ways with draft capital, such is the suite of club-tied prospects they will be looking to dress in teal in the next two National Drafts.
So who are some low-cost acquisitions the club could target, and who are some names that could find themselves part of a package put to Port when Butters heads for the exits?
Take a look!
Charlie Ballard (Gold Coast Suns)
Sun Charlie Ballard is contracted until the conclusion of the 2029 season, making his acquisition a little bit more cumbersome than that of Sparrow's.
However, in Port's favour is the fact that Ballard has fallen out of favour at the Gold Coast, managing just six outings this year, jostling for position with youngster Oscar Adams.
If he decides to head home, it's unlikely the Gold Coast would hold him to his contract, if they do indeed see Ballard as surplus to requirements.
The Suns would still be after compensation however, meaning Port would have to put together a package that both suits decision makers on the Glitter Strip, and doesn't affect their ability to nab elite talents like Louis Salopek, Tevita Rodan, Zemes Pilot, and this year's standout, Dougie Cochrane.
