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Port Adelaide Player Delays Contract Decision Until Season End
Zak Butters stated he will not decide his future until the end of the season. He said the AFL is not prepared for in-season player movement announcements like those in the NRL.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAudio version
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Port Adelaide's acting captain said he will wait until the end of the current season before making any decision on his contract. He added that he has received multiple offers but is not considering them until he becomes a free agent. The player told reporters he does not support players announcing contract decisions during the season.
He said the AFL is not ready for the type of in-season movement seen in the NRL and that such announcements create unnecessary disruption.
Several clubs have expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old. The Western Bulldogs are viewed as frontrunners, while Geelong, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Melbourne, Essendon and Richmond have also shown interest. One reported offer from Richmond is said to be worth around $18 million over eight years. The player described the reported figures as the highest in AFL history.
Adelaide has stated it will match any offer made to the restricted free agent. The club said this would force a trade if the player decides to leave. The player said he respects his current club's approach and values the environment created by coaches, teammates and staff.
He added that he remains focused on improving his performance and will not announce any decision immediately after the season concludes.
