The Western Bulldogs are expected to have a large opening in their salary cap for next year that will place them in the window to move for a top-line star.

The Dogs' recent, and potentially incoming, departures of key players are anticipated to place the Footscray-based club in a position to aggressively chase Port Adelaide gun Zak Butters and other potential trade targets.

Premiership pair Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel left the Dogs last year despite being on deals through to the end of the 2027 and 2026 seasons, respectively.

The Bulldogs also had money on the side for the chance Bailey Smith remained with the club, only for the midfielder to move to Geelong in the same off-season as Macrae and Daniel.

With speculation surrounding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's future, another top Bulldog leaving would reportedly see the club equipped with significant financial flexibility.

Western Bulldogs Media Opportunity
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 01: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Luke Cleary of the Bulldogs train during a Western Bulldogs AFL media opportunity at Whitten Oval on December 01, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Ugle-Hagan is said to be north of $800,000 for the final year of his contract next season, per 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, who reports the Dogs could be turning their attention to Butters.

"With trust at the club still needing to be rebuilt, not even a contract can guarantee Jamarra will be at the Dogs next year," Cleary said on Monday.

"Should he depart, he would add to the pool of cash for the pursuit of Port star Zak Butters this year or next.

"Ugle-Hagan is on more than $800,000 next year, with Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae's departures leaving a hole in the 2026 salary cap, as well as Bailey Smith, who the Dogs had set money aside for."

Butters is contracted until the end of next year; however, the interest from the Bulldogs and other Victorian clubs comes as a play to lure the Western Jets product back to his home state as a 'pre-agent'.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Zak Butters of the Power celebrates at full time during the round five AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval, on April 13, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Zak Butters of the Power celebrates at full time during the round five AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval, on April 13, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide will look to hold Butters to his deal, but could get a better return in 2025 compared to next year, when he can walk via free agency.

The Dogs will be keen to make their move for Butters this season, given most clubs in Victoria will show interest if he remains unsigned in the second half of next season.

Butters is expected to have a restricted free agency status in 2026, meaning the Power would be able to match a rival's bid and force a trade deal rather than taking a single draft pick as compensation.