The Western Bulldogs have continued to emerge as one of the strongest contenders in the race to secure Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, with speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future intensifying across the AFL.
As rival clubs circle the two-time All-Australian, Bulldogs youngster Ryley Sanders has now publicly revealed he would be more than willing to hand over his No.9 guernsey if it helped convince Butters to make the move to Whitten Oval.
Speaking openly about the possibility on Triple M, Sanders joked that the highly sought-after midfielder could take the number immediately if it became part of the negotiations.
“I’ve already told all the boys he can have it if he wants,” Sanders said.
“If that’s a part of the deal, and says I’m only coming if I get No.9, I’ll happily slide across onto another number. If he does come, I might have to get a bit of cash off him for it.”
The comments have only added further fuel to ongoing reports that the Bulldogs are aggressively pursuing Butters, who remains one of the AFL’s most valuable and in-demand stars. While Port Adelaide are reportedly doing everything possible to retain the 24-year-old, several major Victorian clubs — including Geelong, Hawthorn, Essendon, and Collingwood — are also closely monitoring the situation.
Butters addressed the growing attention surrounding his future earlier this year as he prepared for his milestone 150th AFL appearance. The Port Adelaide star admitted the decision regarding his long-term future carries enormous emotional weight.
“It’s obviously a big decision,” Butters explained.
“You think about everything … there’s emotion attached to it, definitely. No matter what the decision is, it’s going to be a pretty emotional one from my end, no matter what I do.”
Despite the mounting speculation, Butters insists his immediate focus remains on football and helping lead Port Adelaide during an important stage of the season. With captain Connor Rozee sidelined at times, Butters has stepped into a leadership role and continues to play a major part in the club’s future direction.
The dynamic midfielder also reflected on the influence of Port Adelaide legends Travis Boak and Robbie Gray, both of whom remained loyal one-club players throughout their careers at Alberton.
“I look back and think I need to be what Travis and Robbie were for me,” Butters said.
As the AFL offseason approaches, the competition for Zak Butters’ signature is expected to intensify even further, with the Western Bulldogs appearing increasingly confident in their pursuit of one of the league’s brightest stars.
