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Butters' $18M AFL mega-deal: Why Bulldogs won the race
30 Sep
Summary
- Bulldogs offered a record $18 million over nine years.
- Geelong's refusal to detail a trade deal cost them.
- Port Adelaide resisted Geelong due to past trade disputes.
Zak Butters has reportedly chosen the Western Bulldogs as his preferred club, spurning Geelong and Richmond. This decision comes after a substantial offer from the Bulldogs, believed to be worth up to $18 million over nine years, making it the largest deal in AFL history. Butters' choice was significantly influenced by Geelong's perceived hesitation in detailing a trade package to Port Adelaide.
Sources indicate that Geelong officials urged Butters to nominate them but failed to clarify how a deal with Port Adelaide would be structured. This reluctance, combined with a history of contentious trade negotiations between Port Adelaide and Geelong, led Port to resist engaging with the Cats. The Bulldogs, conversely, demonstrated greater proactivity and financial commitment, presenting a clearer pathway for all parties involved.
Despite Butters initially informing Geelong of his preference, the Cats' caginess and Port Adelaide's refusal to deal with them ultimately swung the decision back towards the Western Bulldogs. As a restricted free agent, Butters' move will still require a trade agreement between the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, with Port having the option to match any offer or receive draft compensation.
