Nathan Brown has put forth the idea that Port Adelaide might want to contemplate trading their star midfielder, Zak Butters, at the end of the current season. This recommendation is based on the anticipation of Butters potentially leaving the club via free agency at the conclusion of 2026. Although the talented player has expressed his intention to fulfill his contract, he has been linked to interest from Geelong, Hawthorn, and the Western Bulldogs.
Port Adelaide recently faced a heavy defeat against the Bulldogs in Ballarat, suffering a 90-point loss that brought their record to 4-4, with a dismal percentage of 87. Brown suggests that, given this alarming trend and the impending departure of coach Ken Hinkley, it may be time for the club to think about an overhaul of their roster.
During an analysis on Nine’s Sunday AFL Footy Show, Brown remarked on the pressing need for Port Adelaide to consider a rebuild. He noted that many believe Butters will leave after 2026 and questioned whether the club might want to trade him after 2025 to begin refreshing their line-up ahead of the anticipated entry of a new Tasmanian team into the competition.
Brown also mentioned other players whose futures are uncertain, such as Miles Bergman, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jeremy Finlayson, and others, including veteran Travis Boak, whose retirement seems likely at season’s end. With the landscape changing and concerns about the team’s viability in the finals, Brown argued for the necessity of making strategic decisions now to acquire valuable draft picks for the future.
Amidst reports that Butters’ management has engaged with representatives from Geelong, it is widely understood that the Bulldogs are leading the chase, especially given Butters’ childhood support for the club.
In summary, with significant changes looming at Port Adelaide, including the potential departure of key players and a struggling season thus far, it may be prudent to assess trading options for Butters and others to set a stronger foundation moving forward. The club must focus on regeneration, especially with a new team joining the league soon.