Port Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis said he'll be gunning straight for Zak Butters next year, who will be in different colours.
Butters confirmed he will be exercising his free agency rights and returning to Victoria, with Richmond, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all vying for his services.
Horne-Francis, who has paired with the star on-baller since 2023, says he still has love for his close mate, but will ultimately be an opposition player, and will be treated as such.
“He's been around; he's been celebrating. He was still [in] high spirits," Horne-Francis said on Triple M.
"The boys were having a bit of fun with it, and fun with him. It's still good. We still love Zak.
"Me and Zak have already chatted about how it's going to be the first time we come up against each other. Should be good fun. I said, ‘We're not tagging you; I'm just coming straight after you!'"
Horne-Francis has experience when dealing with a former club, and the attention he received from old fans and teammates.
The former Pick 1 departed North Melbourne after one season at Arden Street, returning to South Australia to be closer to friends and family.
Butters remained tight-lipped all year, with the football community confident he'd return to Victoria.
He revealed the reason for his return to his home state was to be closer to friends and family.
"I've made a decision to head home, and it's obviously one I've wrestled with for a while now. It's been quite tough to get to the bottom of it," he said.
"It's been a tough decision in my life and one I haven't taken lightly.
"I feel like, although I've loved my time in Adelaide and everything the city and the football club have given to me, I'm probably at a stage in my life where I'd like to get back to family and friends and enjoy some more time with them and cherish more moments with them.
"Next steps, there's a bit to play through. A little bit with my manager and family, and trying to decide on what's next for me. I'll look to get that sorted. The club have been great throughout, so I'm sure they'll work together and get something done."
Given his restricted free agency, the Power have the right to match any bid and force a trade.
If they don't, they are likely to accept Pick 5 as free agency compensation, which pales in significance to what the four rivals would offer from a trade perspective.
Butters has played 156 games for Port Adelaide since he was drafted with Pick 12 in 2018. He is a three-time best and fairest winner, two-time All-Australian and an AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.
