Contracted Port Adelaide forward Todd Marshall has emerged as a potential key component of a complex deal that would help Zak Butters head to the Western Bulldogs, while still helping the Power accept a handy fee.
Talks have begun over what a deal could look like after Butters confirmed his future, nominating the Bulldogs as his preferred destination despite heavy interest from Geelong and Richmond.
If Port Adelaide accepts free agency compensation for the star on-baller, they'll receive Pick 5.
But a separate trade, which could involve Marshall, according to the Agenda Setters, could also arm the Alberton club with more selections, such as another two first-round picks from the Bulldogs.
The Western Bulldogs sending two first rounders to Port Adelaide for Todd Marshall has emerged as a possible "circuit breaker" as the two clubs negotiate a deal for Zak Butters, per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/54GNZ5PJDw
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 14, 2026
The Bulldogs' offer is the biggest in AFL history at $1.8-2 million a season over nine years.
Marshall is contracted until the end of 2029 on a lucrative deal he signed in 2024. He missed the entirety of last year due to injury, and played 15 games in 2026.
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said the deal is "daylight robbery" and questioned whether the AFL would give it the green light.
“That's all the Bulldogs are going to pay. And you're telling me Port are going to have to pay some of Marshall's wage,” he said.
“The Western Bulldogs are giving up 12 and a future first for a player they're giving the richest contract in AFL history.
“Surely there's some other clubs monitoring this going, ‘there is no way the AFL are going to allow this to go through'.
“You're not giving 12 and a future first for Todd Marshall, who's got concussion issues and wasn't in Port Adelaide's team this year. As if the AFL are going to tick this off?
“That is a ridiculous deal, and there is no way the AFL could allow it.”
