AI-generated summary
Zak Butters, a three-time best and fairest winner and dual All-Australian, had previously announced his desire to leave Port Adelaide via free agency in August to return home to Victoria. His future had been the subject of trade speculation, with reported offers of up to $18 million over eight years from several clubs including Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, and the Western Bulldogs.
In short:
Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has informed the Western Bulldogs of his desire to join the club.
In August, the three-time best and fairest winner requested to leave the club via free agency and return home to Victoria.
What's next:
The Bulldogs says the club will work with Port Adelaide to facilitate a suitable outcome during the upcoming player movement period.
Port Adelaide midfielder Zac Butters has nominated Western Bulldogs as his preferred club, weeks after announcing his decision to head home to Victoria.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the Western Bulldogs confirmed Butters had informed the club of his desire to join.
"The club will work with Port Adelaide to facilitate a suitable outcome during the upcoming player movement period," the Bulldogs said.
The 25-year-old dual All-Australian's future had dominated headlines during the season with reports of offers of up to $18 million over eight years from Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
On August 24, he announced his decision to "head home", saying it was a "tough decision and one that I haven't taken lightly".
"Although I've loved my time in Adelaide โฆ I'm probably at a stage in my life where I'd like to get back around some family and friends and enjoy some more time with them," he said at the time.
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
Zak Butters will be traded to the Western Bulldogs during the upcoming player movement period
Likely ยท Within weeks
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