Trade talk: Port CEO floats timeline for Butters decision

Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson suggests that the club is expecting a decision from Zak Butters next week.

The Power star continues to formulate the significant call on his future while the likes of Geelong, Richmond, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs keep circling.

Richardson was asked: If Butters does depart, how do the Power maximise the compensation with whichever club he chooses?

The Port chief says his club still holds plenty of power if the 25-year-old vice-captain does decide to leave Alberton.

“We’ll wait until we know, but what I do know is that you’ve got to be preparing for all scenarios,” Richardson said on SEN SA Breakfast.

“We’ve got an outstanding list management team with Jason Cripps who is probably the most experienced list manager in the game.

“Zak is a restricted free agent and there are mechanisms which will allow the club to have a reasonable say, if that’s the outcome and Zak does choose to explore his options to head back to Victoria.

“The club does have, as a restricted free agent, a fair bit of control in what happens.

“But we’ll wait until next week and we’ll prepare for that from that point forward.”

It has been felt for much of the year that the Bulldogs have been the frontrunners for the Darley product.

But more recent reports suggest that the Cats have put themselves firmly in the frame and are seen as the new leaders in the race.

The Tigers and Magpies remain a chance with strong financial offers for the three-time John Cahill Medallist and two-time All-Australian.

Butters is still pushing to return from a syndesmosis injury in Sunday's final home and away fixture against Essendon.