Bains: Bulldogs will be “trying everything” to convince Butters

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains insists the club will do everything in its power to lure Zak Butters from Port Adelaide.

It is no secret that the Power star enters restricted free agency at season’s end and has an enormous decision to make on his future.

Butters could stay put with Port, but if he opts to leave and return home then he will likely spark a bidding war in Victoria.

The Bulldogs are one of the clubs considered a very strong chance of recruiting the 25-year-old Darley native and their desire to land him is evident through the words of Bains.

“What I would say from the outset is Zak is obviously still a contracted Port Adelaide player,” Bains said on SEN’s Whateley.

“He still has to make a decision about whether he recommits or comes to Melbourne. If he chooses to come to Melbourne it’s going to be 10 clubs going hammer and tong for him.

“From our perspective, he grew up in the west, he was a Bulldogs supporter growing up, he’s clearly an outstanding player, his record in recent years is as good as anyone’s.

“So if he were to make the decision to come back to Melbourne then we’d absolutely be trying everything we could to convince to come and play with us.”

Bains admits the club is already in the process of planning a scheme to land Butters in regards to salary cap and trade equity.

However, some best-laid plans are often scuppered which Bains is acutely aware of.

“There’s a lot of forward planning,” he added.

“I don’t think there would be one club that takes a siloed approach to trade or draft, so you’re always strategising ahead of time around what that might look like.

“There are things that crop up that might be unanticipated in terms of player departures that can change the dynamic. We’ve had that happen to us a couple of times which alters your salary cap position and draft hand.

“The direct answer is you do plan a number of years in advance, but there are things that happen on an annualised basis that mean you then rethink what is possible.”

As a result of St Kilda signing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to an historic $2 million per year contract last season, the money being bandied around for Butters is mind-boggling.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported on Wednesday that there could be offers of up to $20 million over 10 years for the three-time John Cahill Medallist who is also a key target for Geelong, among other clubs.

“The Western Bulldogs and Geelong are the leading contenders,” he said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.

“His links with the Bulldogs are significant over time. Geelong too, they’re trying pretty hard. Chris Scott was seen chatting to Zak’s parents at AFL Origin a couple of times, so that’s an advantage or a connection they already have.

“He’s going to get $2 million offers easily, and they will be at eight years easily. But $16 million isn’t where this ends for Zak Butters.

“My understanding is that clubs are going to be willing to get to 10-year deals. That would be an extraordinary level for a restricted free agent to get through to 2036.

“That might nudge just under $2 million on average per season, but a $20 million deal could get through there.”

Bains is aware the market is beginning to shift significantly and his club will have to come to the party if they are to be successful in the Butters sweepstakes.

“Undeniably anytime that there is a dramatic shift in a couple of contracts across the competition then the market moves,” Bains said further.

“Whether that moves the whole way across the board or it does for a couple of standout players remains to be seen.

“But undeniably it will change things.”

Butters and his Port teammates kick off their 2026 season against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium this Sunday.

Bains will be hoping his Dogs can start the campaign with a 2-0 record when they meet GWS at the same venue on Saturday afternoon.