Collingwood Enters the Fray for Port Adelaide Superstar Zak Butters
Collingwood has suddenly become a prominent name in the swirling rumours surrounding Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters, as the AFL superstar approaches free agency. The speculation ignited after Butters was seen forming a close bond with Magpies young gun Nick Daicos during the AFL Origin event, sparking intense discussion about a potential move back to his home state of Victoria.
Family Ties and Victorian Clubs Circle
Butters, aged 25, is entering the final year of his contract with Port Adelaide, making him one of the most sought-after players in the league. His deep family connections in Darley, located 50 kilometres west of Melbourne, have long been a focal point in trade talks. Port Adelaide firmly dismissed any possibility of a trade late last year, but Victorian clubs, including the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, are aggressively positioning themselves to lure him home.
These clubs have geographical advantages, with the Bulldogs and Essendon based closest to his hometown. Butters' interactions have only fueled the fire: he was observed in extended conversations with Bulldogs players at the Brownlow Medal last year and later played golf with Essendon stars Darcy Parish and Sam Durham, alongside his manager Peter Lenton, who also represents Durham.
Collingwood's Surprise Link Through Daicos
Adding a new twist to the saga, 7NEWS Perth reporter Ryan Daniels highlighted a burgeoning friendship between Butters and Collingwood's Nick Daicos during their time together at AFL Origin. Daniels noted on the Hard Ball Gets podcast that the pair were inseparable throughout the week, describing it as a "new relationship that had just been sparked up."
Based on this connection, Daniels made a bold prediction for the 2026 season, suggesting that Butters could revitalise Collingwood's prospects. He speculated that by the end of the year, Butters might decline to re-sign with Port Adelaide and instead head to the Magpies, injecting star power into their midfield.
Coaching Perspectives and Club Loyalty
Despite the rampant speculation, former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley remains hopeful that Butters will re-sign with the Power. Hinkley acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasising Butters' strong family ties but also his deep connection to the club, where he has risen through the ranks alongside close friend and captain Connor Rozee.
Hinkley stated at a Kayo launch that Butters' loyalty to Port Adelaide could compete with his desire to return home, making it a "really difficult" choice. Meanwhile, other figures like former Port assistant Chad Cornes have predicted a move to the Bulldogs, citing Butters' childhood support for the club.
Public Interest and Captain Endorsements
The interest in Butters extends beyond club officials, with Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli publicly expressing his desire to recruit the midfielder. Bontempelli highlighted his role in making the Bulldogs an appealing destination for top talent, praising Butters' football abilities and expressing enthusiasm at the prospect of playing alongside him.
As the AFL community watches closely, Butters' future remains uncertain. While no conclusions can be drawn from his public interactions, the combination of family proximity, Victorian club interest, and new friendships like that with Daicos sets the stage for a high-stakes decision in the coming months.
