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!
Bailey Williams (Western Bulldogs)
His is a magnet beloved by Luke Beveridge, but Bailey Williams could find himself collateral damage in a potential deal for Zak Butters, in a manner similar to the deal where Will Hayward headed south when Charlie Curnow came to Sydney.
Port will operate under the assumption that the picks they acquire from the Dogs will not be inside the top 10 or 15 - the Sons of the West will presumably finish in the top handful of ladder positions with a midfield made up of Bontempelli, Richards and Butters, so the picks need to be supplemented by the acquisition of serious talent.
Bailey Williams is a serious talent. Versatile, dependable, of a desirable build, experienced, and, a South Australian. It just makes sense.
