Top Zak Butters suitor set to exit sweepstakes for Port Adelaide star’s signature
While it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Zak Butters will leave Port Adelaide at the end of the season, it’s anyone’s best guess as to where the 25-year-old will be plying his trade in 2027 and beyond.
However, it looks like we can rule one club out.
According to Seven’s Tom Morris, Hawthorn have all but exited the sweepstakes for the superstar midfielder.
Morris told The Agenda Setters on Wednesday night that the Hawks have their targets set on different potential targets, including wantaway Gold Coast star Bailey Humphrey.
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«Hawthorn will say officially they’re still in the hunt, but I think they’ve essentially moved on,» Morris said.
«I think they’re looking at other targets like Bailey Humphrey and other midfielders as well.
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«I think they understand that he’s going to cost a lot via trade, cost a lot financially, and it’s going to be a bit of a debacle if they try to do that, a bit like the Zach Merrett thing last year.
«If Zak Butters went to them and said ‘I want to play at Hawthorn,’ they’d consider it. But I think they’ve diverted their eyes elsewhere.»
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While the Hawks have long been thought to be a potential landing spot for Butters, they face stiff competition, with other powerhouses such as the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Richmond also in the mix for his services.
Butters is out of contract at the end of this season, and despite playing in a lowly Power side, has continued to prove why he is one of the best players in the league in 2026.
He is averaging 30.7 disposals and 532.4 metres gained per contest in seven games this season.
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