SEVEN potential landing spots for Zak Butters

Zak Butters is the most sought-after name in the AFL, with his future beyond 2026 yet to be determined as he weighs up a massive free agency call. Butters has emerged as one of the best players in the competition, earning the last three John Cahill Medals, whilst also claiming two All-Australian blazers and the 2023 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year. The Power have made abundantly clear they will do everything in their power (excuse the pun) to keep the star on-baller amid fielding heavy interest from a host of Victorian clubs. We look at seven potential landing spots for the 25-year-old. Essendon Similar to Richmond, the Bombers have a lot they can present to Butters, but the main deterrent is the future. When will Essendon compete? Butters will want to compete in big games; he'd want to play in finals. Can Essendon provide that? Sure, Brad Scott is a strong coach, and there's, albeit dim, a light at the end of the dark and seedy tunnel that has enveloped the Tullamarine club for the better part of two decades. But is it enough to attract the Power star? Melbourne The Demons have entered the conversation, and when you think about it, they should have a crack. Melbourne has alleviated a heap of salary cap pressure by offloading Christian Petracca's mega deal, while Steven May is off the books after 2026. With money to spend, two first-round picks this year (thanks to Gold Coast), and a new, fun game-style, there's a strong pitch by football's oldest club. There's "good oil" that the Demons will make their presence felt in the trade period, and, may have the tools to unlock a trade. If, and it's a big if, South Australian-born players like Kade Chandler and Tom Sparrow want to return home, they could be used in a deal. The pair are unrestricted free agents and are out of contract, so it does complicate negotiations. But, it's certainly one to watch. Richmond They have money, they have assets and they have the allure of a big, Victorian club. But can Richmond sell the future to Butters? Enough for him to bypass premiership-contending sides to join a rebuilding club? Tigers coach Adem Yze all but confirmed they are interested in the Power star, and will slot in perfectly into midfield group alongside experienced heads Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, while the youth of Taj Hotton, Sam Lalor and Seth Campbell would be part of the sales pitch. But when will Richmond rise up the ladder again? That will be the determining factor in his Tigers call. Collingwood The hat of the biggest club in the land is always thrown in the ring, but you can sense Collingwood's urgency in their interest in Butters. The Pies are undoubtedly heading for a cliff, and is essentially being pushed towards the inevitability by the imminent retirement of some club greats. But the black and white army has a trick card that no other club can play: Nick Daicos. The Collingwood father-son superstar is the biggest draw card in the competition, and has already worked in helping free agents Dan Houston and Harry Perryman. Could it work for Butters? The Pies have enough cash after strategically dumping what they owed to Brodie Grundy and Adam Treloar, opening the door for an all-out assault later in the year. Sure, a trade will be difficult to conjure, but the Pies are well and truly in the mix. Hawthorn The Hawks' midfield desires haven't changed after failing to land Zach Merrett last year. Sam Mitchell has coped, even in the absence of Will Day, but the acquisition of Butters would all but cinch premiership favouritism, regardless of this year's result. Hawthorn has the capital; they have the coach; they have the list; they have the entertainment and excitement. It's a tasty sell. But would Butters' head be turned by a modern-day rival? The Power and Hawks have played off in multiple fiery encounters over the past few years that has drudged up some not-so-nice feelings. Geelong The Cats can never be discounted when discussing the future of an AFL star. Patrick Dangerfield. Jeremy Cameron. Bailey Smith. The play by Geelong is simple: they have the most innovative coach; they provide the best lifestyle for their players; they consistently contend for premierships; they have an emerging list that is bolstered by the elite performances of their veterans; they're in Victoria but outside the Melbourne bubble. Butters would play the perfect in-and-under foil to Smith and Max Holmes, also providing a safeguard once Dangerfield and Tom Atkins move on to allow the next generation to emerge. The only query would be how much they would be willing to spend. Butters' asking price deserves a $2 million price tag, but the Cats, historically, have weighted their payment of stars to ensure a flexible and premiership-contending list. Geelong isn't stacked with top-end draft picks, so will need to delve into the future assets to land Butters, but like the aforementioned trio of names, it has been achieved by the Kardinia Park club before. Western Bulldogs The Bulldogs top the list of potential landing spots for Butters for multiple reasons. For starters, he has links to the region of west Victoria, originally hailing from Darley and was drafted from the Western Jets. His age and game style suits the mould of what Luke Beveridge is implementing in his midfield group, utilising creative handballers and leg-drivers to take the game from inside the contest to the front half. Butters would provide the perfect replacement for when icon Tom Liberatore hangs up the boots, as well as Adam Treloar. The Bulldogs have first-round picks for this year, next year and 2028 that they can use to lure the Power star, but given Charlie Curnow's trade price, they'll need more. A pair of second-round selection may also be enough for Port Adelaide to budge.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	9	8	1	32	131.6
2	SYD	8	7	1	28	165.5
3	HAW	9	6	2	26	116.8
4	BL	8	5	3	20	126
5	GC	8	5	3	20	116
6	GEEL	8	5	3	20	114.6
7	MELB	8	5	3	20	100.2
8	COLL	8	4	3	18	108.6
9	STK	8	4	4	16	114.9
10	NMFC	8	4	4	16	106.1

SEVEN potential landing spots for Zak Butters

The Port Adelaide free agent has a massive decision to make, with multiple clubs already pursuing his signature.

7Essendon

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