Why this Adelaide defender denied interest from pair of Victorian clubs

Adelaide defender Jordon Butts said he was happy to stay at West Lakes despite strong interest from North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in last year's trade period.

Butts became a player of interest in Victoria with one year remaining on his contract, as the Bulldogs and Kangaroos were eager to bolster their defensive stocks.

"From my knowledge, it didn't really take off that much," Butts told Zero Hanger.

"I was pretty happy to stay at the Crows with one year left on the deal and then the Crows also told me that I'm a required player with them.

"I think being a one-club player is pretty good.

"At the same time, I just want to put my best foot forward this year and have a strong season."

The interest came as Butts had struggled to permanently lock down a spot in Matthew Nicks' back six.

Mark Keane and Josh Worrell emerged as one of the competition's best defensive duos, while Nick Murray posed as the third tall.

A nasty lung injury that resulted in the 26-year-old's breathing being inhibited in Round 18 against the Western Bulldogs ultimately put an end to his season, which saw rivals start to swoop.

However, Butts ensured that there is no lingering effects of the collapsed lung, and a full pre-season has him primed for a big 2026.

"All healthy," he said.

"It was a weird ending and a weird injury but I've recovered fine from it. I've got no problems in that regard.

"I've done the full pre-season. No hiccups at all."

Butts is set to take on a more pivotal role in the Crows defence, with Keane out for another two months after fracturing his leg.

The former Pie ranked third for intercept possessions, sitting narrowly behind Worrell and Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews.

Adelaide returned to finals last year for the first time since the dreaded 2017 grand final loss to Richmond.

A rampant Collingwood outfit bared too much for the inexperienced Crows, while Hawthorn a week later proved too good.

Butts said that the club has reviewed where it went wrong and has prepared its players with high-level training so they're fully equipped for September action.

"That's what we talked about post the games and in the pre-season," he said.

"Being able to train at this high-level intensity of finals football so when we get there, we're comfortable in that regard."

Adelaide kicks off its season against Collingwood in Round 1 at the MCG on Saturday, March 14.

"It's definitely been a very good rivalry," Butts said. "We love these sorts of games."