AFL

Most knew it was coming when Zak Butters landed at the Western Bulldogs this offseason, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

Geelong, Collingwood, and Richmond all wanted the star midfielder, but most thought the Dogs were the clubhouse leaders.

And they were, until the Cats pushed for Butters, but for whatever reason, that never materialized, and Butters found his way to the Dogs during the offseason.

But we didn’t know what swayed Zak’s thinking after reportedly wanting the Cats initially.

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Well, we do now, as Butters spoke with AFL media and revealed that a conversation between him and Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan swayed his thinking.

“‘Reegs’ came out to my place and I had a really good chat with him. He probably knew coming around that day at that point in time, Geelong probably was my preference,” Butters said via Fox Sports.

“We sat and spoke for an hour and he asked me questions about what I wanted to get out of footy and the bigger picture as well, and what you want to be remembered for and how going home and coming home were different things.

“My dad went for the Bulldogs growing up, my pop went for the Bulldogs, so I just felt more naturally connected to that side of things.”

Butters ready for new chapter

After having an illustrious career at Port Adelaide, Butters now moves back home to Victoria and links up with what could arguably be one of the best midfields in football.

Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards and Butters make quite the trio, and add in other injured stars like Sam Darcy, and the Bulldogs could have a fruitful 2027 if everything goes as planned.

Of course, we are getting ahead of ourselves here, but Butters joining the Dogs is a massive signing for the club and one that should have them in premiership contention for the next few years.

AFL

Butters ready for new chapter

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