One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on February 24, 2026, 11:44:22 PM
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Early days for this stuff and all these names have been rumoured already across social media, but BF's tigercast tonight mentioned "noise" around us and one of Butters or Bailey, as well as us putting the feelers out on Lachie Neale. St Kilda's Darcy Wilson was another name brought up.
https://youtu.be/msDDt5BbYP4?t=3943
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Yeah I'd take Butters and Bailey, why not both?
No thanks to Neale.
Don't know Wilson enough.
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Will have to be careful with free agents as we will have to pay a lot of these draftees soon
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Will have to be careful with free agents as we will have to pay a lot of these draftees soon
Long time away from worrying about that. More so if they keep breaking down
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Lynch contract is done.
By the time we have to pay big for our draftees Taranto and Hoppers overs warchsst will expire.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube channel reckons we've been showing "whiteboard" interest in Swan Joel Amartey. Someone to fill in the age gap as a tall forward between Lynch who is nearing retirement and Armstrong/Faull.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3UUpNmffGA
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No thanks to Amartey IMO
Don't waste time of B-C grade trades, especially with the stupid prices that KPF's are.
Just get a big fish or hit the draft.
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No thanks to Amartey IMO
Don't waste time of B-C grade trades, especially with the stupid prices that KPF's are.
Just get a big fish or hit the draft.
Family of mine in Sydney can't stand Amartey. Think he's a big waste of space. They have NFI about AFL yet they can see this.
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Nuff said then mate.
No list clogger recruits
No wankers
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We're stacked with tall forwards. Target a ruck and gun midfielder
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Lynch is a gun.
Keep him couple more year over Amartey and co
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his marking and leading was top notch
if he could kick half of them we won that game ffs
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Contender ‘all chips in’ for Butters; $12m payday... that’s a sacrifice — Vic clubs’ chances ranked 1-10
Fox Sports
March 18th, 2026
4. RICHMOND
Jon Ralph says: “It’s a chance, you’re telling me there’s a chance?! Vast cap space, perfect proximity to the city ... new facilities, you’re playing at the MCG. As Adem Yze says, you just get to walk across there - it’s so good on a Friday night. The flag window at some stage (comes), it’s a bit premature there. They would give up the picks, and of course they need an elite mid. That’s why they’re fourth because of that cap window, but I don’t think that’s the club he’ll get to eventually.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2026-victorian-clubs-interested-in-zak-butters-ranked-1-to-10-will-he-leave-port-adelaide-who-are-the-favourites-for-him-midweek-tackle-tackle-the-headline-reactions/news-story/143a79f4515ebdc1455ec132aa0c9235
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:shh
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This has been mentioned in the past, but Tiger71 this week on the Tigercast youtube channel reckons Gold Coast's Bailey Humphrey is another player of interest to us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5nT2O7tkEY
ps. Humphrey has been brought in to play against us on Saturday.
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I reckon Humphrey is a flippin' jet.
Would 100% have a go.
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This has been mentioned in the past, but Tiger71 this week on the Tigercast youtube channel reckons Gold Coast's Bailey Humphrey is another player of interest to us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5nT2O7tkEY
ps. Humphrey has been brought in to play against us on Saturday.
This bloke should get an award for claiming common knowledge as a scoop FFS. 99% BS and 1% guesswork from this flog.
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Imagine if we kept all those so called spuds that left and others who went through our reserves that are now playing regular good senior games elsewhere .
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+1 on Humphrey
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Id be targeting Jed Walter or Ethan Read
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Ethan for me.
They can't keep all 3. King, Jed and Ethan.
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Ethan for me.
They can't keep all 3. King, Jed and Ethan.
Read will be harder to get , if he stays in the 23.
They have JUH too. Suns crazy list and talent
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This has been mentioned in the past, but Tiger71 this week on the Tigercast youtube channel reckons Gold Coast's Bailey Humphrey is another player of interest to us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5nT2O7tkEY
ps. Humphrey has been brought in to play against us on Saturday.
This bloke should get an award for claiming common knowledge as a scoop FFS. 99% BS and 1% guesswork from this flog.
You clearly haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about :shh
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Richmond has thrown its hat into the ring in the race for Zak Butters.
The cashed-up Tigers have managed their cap with under spend and would be willing to table an historic deal to land the Power superstar.
Story? More on Footy Classified tonight.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2041461738718261331
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Cashed-up Victorian giant enters the race for Power superstar
Richmond has thrown its hat in the ring for Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters
By Callum Twomey
Apr 7, 2026, 8:15 pm
RICHMOND has thrown its hat in the ring for Zak Butters, with the cashed-up Tigers ready to hit the free agency market.
Butters has been strongly linked to the Western Bulldogs and Geelong for nearly a year as the Port Adelaide gamebreaker weighs his future, but it can be revealed the Tigers are also in the chase for the superstar midfielder.
Richmond is understood to be willing to put forward what would be the biggest deal in football history to try and lure Butters to Punt Road, with a price tag of close to $2 million expected for at least eight years for his next contract.
The Tigers are believed to have managed their salary cap in 2025 and 2026 to be able to use the under-spend rules to bank cap space and use aggressively in the pursuit of rival guns to speed up their rebuild and would also be able to front-end any major deal, which can be an incentive for players.
While the Tigers would be considered an outsider in the pursuit of the 25-year-old Port matchwinner, the club has spruiked its upgraded Punt Road facilities, metropolitan location, recent flag success and vast number of young draft talents in previous years to make it an appealing destination club.
Coach Adem Yze and chief executive Shane Dunne have both recently said the Tigers were ready to attack the player market as soon as this year after taking nine top-30 draft picks over the past two off-seasons.
They also pointed to the club's specific targeting of players from 2016-2019 before and during Richmond's flag era as evidence the club knew when to pull the trigger on rival raids.
Butters has said he will make his call at the end of the year, with the Bulldogs considered a frontrunner and the Cats also with significant interest, while Hawthorn and Collingwood have also been keen to get involved in the chase.
The three-time best and fairest winner, who is Port's stand-in captain with skipper Connor Rozee missing three months with a hamstring injury, said recently that winning was important in his decision.
"Everyone here wants to win premierships, everyone at every other club wants to win premierships as well. No matter where I am, I want to win and I loved playing with that team today (against Essendon in round two). Family's important as well, it's been important to me for a long time," he told ABC Sport.
"My mum and dad are over this weekend so it's good to see them. It's obviously a big decision but I'm not going to make it any time soon."
Port Adelaide put a deal that stretched as long as eight years to Butters around 12 months ago, which would have been the most lucrative contract in AFL history had he signed it. Coach Josh Carr has said the Power will match any offer for Butters and force a trade if he departs.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1492774/cashed-up-richmond-tigers-enter-hunt-for-port-adelaide-power-superstar-zak-butters
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Not worth it. Last premiership team to win with “the biggest deal in Alf history” ?
If he was prime Bont or dusty maybe, but not butters
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Not worth it. Last premiership team to win with “the biggest deal in Alf history” ?
If he was prime Bont or dusty maybe, but not butters
Won’t happen anyway
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Will happen if Hinkley is our coach ;)
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Tiger71 this week on the Tigercast youtube channel said Sean Darcy is another one on our whiteboard. Try to bridge the gap for 4-5 years between Nank and our young rucks.
He also said we'll be targeting role players during the Tassie draft years. Similar to what we did with Houli, Grigg and Caddy. Complementing our young draftees with 24-28 year old role players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ4ujLEN7Y0
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Will happen if Hinkley is our coach ;)
No thanks
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Will happen if Hinkley is our coach ;)
That won’t happen either
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"They are understood to be willing to put together an offer that would be the biggest in footy history."
@CalTwomey reports Richmond has emerged as a new suitor for Zak Butters.
#GatherRound | Watch on 9 & 9Now
Watch here: https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2041493629345399083
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"They are understood to be willing to put together an offer that would be the biggest in footy history."
@CalTwomey reports Richmond has emerged as a new suitor for Zak Butters.
#GatherRound | Watch on 9 & 9Now
Watch here: https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2041493629345399083
I like it.
Bold.
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You would think with ports list they have money to match any bid and force a trade.
Butters couldn't even get them to a GF
Pass for me
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
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You would think with ports list they have money to match any bid and force a trade.
Butters couldn't even get them to a GF
Pass for me
Rated top 5 by ESPN. Sen. Etc.
Idk if id be passing on him at 26 yoa.
Butters.
Lalor.
Taranto.
Hotton.
Smillie.
Cumming.
Grlj. Looks pretty groovy to me
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
He wont at RFC for a few years.
Re: Yze I hope he starts coaching tougher than he played. He appears very soft and cuddly with some players.
IMO Yze got a free pass for year 1 so essentially this is his first year. I also give him a free pass this year.
good luck to him if we are bottom 2 next year. We need to consider a replacement by the end of next year.
As for that stupid ceo of ours. Well that's just damage control speak for "i hired this guy so lets spin some crap and behind the scenes make some changes"
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
Talks cheap.
Richmond should have the capacity to offer him stupid money, front ended.
Mates with lalor too.
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I like Darcy but I know the Freo supporters have big concerns about his knees and ongoing availability. Too heavy at the start of his career they reckon. He's started '26 well but has missed quite a few games in the three years before that.
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CalTwomey on butters
"...Can also structure deal to front-end pay - getting it up to $2.5 mil plus in early years "
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
He wont at RFC for a few years.
Re: Yze I hope he starts coaching tougher than he played. He appears very soft and cuddly with some players.
IMO Yze got a free pass for year 1 so essentially this is his first year. I also give him a free pass this year.
good luck to him if we are bottom 2 next year. We need to consider a replacement by the end of next year.
As for that stupid ceo of ours. Well that's just damage control speak for "i hired this guy so lets spin some crap and behind the scenes make some changes"
You are missing a year FJ
This is year 3
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CalTwomey on butters
"...Can also structure deal to front-end pay - getting it up to $2.5 mil plus in early years "
Could make sense for us
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One goal in his last 28 games - does this still make Zak Butters a $2 million a season player?
THE THREE CLUBS CHASING HIM
Source: MMM
https://x.com/i/status/2041701236001665321
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
He wont at RFC for a few years.
Re: Yze I hope he starts coaching tougher than he played. He appears very soft and cuddly with some players.
IMO Yze got a free pass for year 1 so essentially this is his first year. I also give him a free pass this year.
good luck to him if we are bottom 2 next year. We need to consider a replacement by the end of next year.
As for that stupid ceo of ours. Well that's just damage control speak for "i hired this guy so lets spin some crap and behind the scenes make some changes"
You are missing a year FJ
This is year 3
7 wins from 50 games at a % of 66.
The Bernie Quinlan of coaching, heck even Mark Neelds record is better
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
He wont at RFC for a few years.
Re: Yze I hope he starts coaching tougher than he played. He appears very soft and cuddly with some players.
IMO Yze got a free pass for year 1 so essentially this is his first year. I also give him a free pass this year.
good luck to him if we are bottom 2 next year. We need to consider a replacement by the end of next year.
As for that stupid ceo of ours. Well that's just damage control speak for "i hired this guy so lets spin some crap and behind the scenes make some changes"
You are missing a year FJ
This is year 3
7 wins from 50 games at a % of 66.
The Bernie Quinlan of coaching, heck even Mark Neelds record is better
His free pass was year 1 when the club had their hand in the sand and hadn’t committed to a rebuild. Year 2 and year three of 17th and TBC but most likely bottom 3. I don’t see a world where he gets sacked this year unless he can’t muster a couple of wins but next year like FJ says of there isn’t a step taken then he hopefully will come under pressure. I’m losing faith.
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But futile.
He has stated he wants to win games of footy.
We have cobbled together recent history’s greatest collection of losers off field to drag the players down to their level - either through getting injured or having the life sucked out of them with coaching ineptitude.
Let off the cliff by a CEO who thinks our injuries are bad luck after having so many injuries last year we used 40 players - only exceeded by Essington. :gobdrop
Talks cheap.
Richmond should have the capacity to offer him stupid money, front ended.
Mates with lalor too.
What happens when other players contracts are up and they request ridiculous money to resign or when we are trying to lure other high profile F/A and they point to this deal and say they want around the same ball park?
I’m not convinced contracts of this length and $$$ will work with the current cap even considering the gradual rise year on year, would like to see it successfully implemented elsewhere before offering such things. Not sure how st kilda will manage but atleast NAS’ deal is only for 2 years, the TDK one being long term I expect to backfire.
Also I know he’ll only be 26 at the start of next season but I’m not sure his age profile aligns with where we currently are. In terms of high profile F/A I reckon we are better served waiting a couple more seasons so that they will be around the same age as our draft crop.
Agree with most on here that it’s a moot point as he could just stay at port for a similar amount or head to another vic club that is currently contending if he wants to accept a hair cut.
I certainly would not entertain him if port want to match an offer and force a trade. Would need to give up all our early picks this and next season unless he’s willing to walk to the draft.
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Yep there is risk with everything.
If it's front load that should help the problem
Still lots of water under the bridge prior to Sims. Alger. Armstrong. Smillie. Cumming etc. being so good we struggle to keep them all. Iirc the previous generation took pay cuts to keep the group together
26 isn't ideal but it's not everyday you get a swing at a top 10 player. More so when you suck
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It’s been a hard no for me, but the I though that if we can unload hopper then that frees up some space to make 2m a year for butters seem not so bad. Not to mention broad,Prestia and possibly lynch moving on as well
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It’s been a hard no for me, but the I though that if we can unload hopper then that frees up some space to make 2m a year for butters seem not so bad. Not to mention broad,Prestia and possibly lynch moving on as well
We can keep them all and pay butters $2m but why the hell would he come here?
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More to the point, who on earth would be trading Hopper in?
We'd have to sell him with a pack and pay his contract.
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More to the point, who on earth would be trading Hopper in?
We'd have to sell him with a pack and pay his contract.
Exactly. No team will give us anything for a borderline fringe player and whipping boy in the worst midfield in the comp.
It's always hilarious when trade time comes around and people suggest that we can get good picks for our spuds.
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@AFL
Adem Yze has confirmed his club's interest in Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters
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@AFL
Adem Yze has confirmed his club's interest in Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters
POST THE LINK
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@AFL
Adem Yze has confirmed his club's interest in Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters
:lol
That’s about as relevant as Tigeritis demanding standards from our players
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Dunno if the coach talks about it publicly seems like a big step
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He didn’t confirm it he just said we are interested in getting better and if that means getting free agents then that’s what we do
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He didn’t confirm it he just said we are interested in getting better and if that means getting free agents then that’s what we do
“When there’s a player as good as **him** that there’s a possibility they might become available, we’ve got to think about it… He’s obviously a terrific player, we’d be crazy **not to be thinking about it**.”
Good enough for me :shh
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We'd be crazy not to': Tigers confirm Butters interest
afl.com.au
9 April 2026
RICHMOND coach Adem Yze has confirmed his club's interest in Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, stating the Tigers would be "crazy not to be" in the conversation for the midfielder.
AFL.com.au revealed on Tuesday that Richmond has entered the race for Butters, with the Tigers ready to deploy a significant war chest to bolster their young list through free agency.
A dual All-Australian and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, Butters has been strongly linked to the Western Bulldogs and Geelong for more than a year as the Port Adelaide gamebreaker continues to weigh up his future and a potential move back home to Victoria.
Asked how serious the club is about acquiring Butters, Yze confirmed the Tigers are "thinking about it" and highlighted an aggressive list management strategy designed to accelerate their rebuild.
"Our club is serious about getting better," Yze said on Thursday. "Whether that means you're bringing in free agents or established players, or going into the draft again with a really strong draft hand.
"So those decisions will be made later in the year, but to be in those discussions, obviously, Blair (list manager Blair Hartley) needs to be thinking about those things. So when there's a player as good as (Butters and) there's a possibility that it might become available, we've got to think about it.
"That's our job as a footy club to get better. We want to bounce back and get back to finals as quickly as we can. Whether, and I've said this before, we start looking at those established players this year or next, that will start to come in or start to link in with our planning.
"He's obviously a terrific player. We'd be crazy not to be thinking about it."
The Tigers have cleared significant salary cap space following their premiership era, opening the door to potentially lure Butters to Punt Rd.
The midfielder's next contract is expected to command close to $2 million per season over at least eight years, which would make it the biggest deal in football history.
The shift from the Tigers follows a period of building a stable of young talent, including nine top-30 draft picks over the past two off-seasons, which has transitioned Richmond into one of the youngest lists in the competition.
Armed with both a strong draft hand and significant financial flexibility, the club is now prepared to aggressively attack the player market as early as this year.
The Tigers are considered outsiders in the pursuit of Butters, with the 25-year-old indicating he will make a final call at the end of the year.
The link to Butters came after Richmond suffered a 42-point loss to Port Adelaide last Saturday, with the midfielder leading the charge with 30 disposals and six clearances.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1493246
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He didn’t confirm it he just said we are interested in getting better and if that means getting free agents then that’s what we do
“When there’s a player as good as **him** that there’s a possibility they might become available, we’ve got to think about it… He’s obviously a terrific player, we’d be crazy **not to be thinking about it**.”
Good enough for me :shh
You need to post the link
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Personally I still lean towards the proper rebuild. Bringing in the third layer of elite youth with lalor crop. Cumming. Grlj.
However I'd the club think the butters shortcut is worth it I wouldn't be upset.
Taranto. Butters some serious ability and leadership.
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There is no way he will join Richmond.
So it’s an irrelevant conversation
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There is no way he will join Richmond.
So it’s an irrelevant conversation
Idk why people keep saying this.
We are not favorites but can offer him crazy money upfront. Playing in front of 90000. Talented kids. Etc.
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“Our club is serious about getting better," Yze said on Thursday. "Whether that means you're bringing in free agents or established players, or going into the draft again with a really strong draft hand.“
The last comment is interesting given before season started he was saying “no limits”.
A strong draft hand implies a low ladder position which feels like a limit.
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There is no way he will join Richmond.
So it’s an irrelevant conversation
Idk why people keep saying this.
We are not favorites but can offer him crazy money upfront. Playing in front of 90000. Talented kids. Etc.
I’ll tell you why.
If it’s money, Port have stated they will match any offer.
So that removes money.
The crowd thing - we ain’t getting 90k to a game anytime soon.
And I will add, we are a basket case. A complete joke.
He isn’t coming to a club where the ceo thinks our continous year after year injury list is an “accident “ and playing under a coach who one minute says “no limits” and the next minutes says “a great draft hand” which implies limits.
It’s actually laughable
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@AFL
Adem Yze has confirmed his club's interest in Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters
:lol
That’s about as relevant as Tigeritis demanding standards from our players
Not just the players HRT, it’s the coaching staff, the whole footy department and CEO. It’s high standards all round.
It works just ask Benny Gale :rollin
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From Barrett's Sliding Doors column:
IF ...
the Tigers have entered the race for Zak Butters ...
THEN ...
they'd better start winning matches. He's not going to a club that has won just seven of its past 50.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1492491/sliding-doors-if-another-loss-was-the-outcome-of-a-blues-match-on-thursday-night-then
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"If they are serious Richmond, they will be unbelievably hard to beat in this (race for Zak Butters)."
- Hutchy has a Richmond pitch for Zak Butters that might just work...
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/Trade/HutchyTradeOfferZakButters.png) (https://x.com/7AFL/status/2043672508197404983)
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2043672508197404983
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"If they are serious Richmond, they will be unbelievably hard to beat in this (race for Zak Butters)."
- Hutchy has a Richmond pitch for Zak Butters that might just work...
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/Trade/HutchyTradeOfferZakButters.png) (https://x.com/7AFL/status/2043672508197404983)
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2043672508197404983
Hutchy's proposal ignores one huge thing. Who do we have to give up? Butters is restricted FA. Port has said they will match any offer. So to get Butters will we have to trade and Port will want more than picks, they will want at least 1 maybe 2 players. And they will demand our young talent. Who do we give up?
Would love Butters but not if it means giving up our top end young talent
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I don’t think he will come as we are a basket case but ….
If he wants money AND go home no matter what then we can leverage a number 1 pick to Port which they are going to need to get Dougie Cochrane
They will probably end up with pick 6 or 7 based on current form which means their 2 picks probably won’t be enough points to get Cochrane without trading.
We can probably get their first rounder back the other way and if it’s a top 5 pick we can throw in our second rounder (looks like we will get 2 with compo coming in).
If they don’t want to play ball then we grab him in the December draft
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1.6 won't get it done if TDK is on 1.7 and NWM on 2.0
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1.6 won't get it done if TDK is on 1.7 and NWM on 2.0
I mean it’s never gonna happen but he’s justifying it by it being so heavily front loaded. He broke it down year by year and I think year 1 was something crazy like 4.5mil.
Money now better than money later of course.
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There is no way he will join Richmond.
So it’s an irrelevant conversation
Idk why people keep saying this.
We are not favorites but can offer him crazy money upfront. Playing in front of 90000. Talented kids. Etc.
I’ll tell you why.
If it’s money, Port have stated they will match any offer.
So that removes money.
The crowd thing - we ain’t getting 90k to a game anytime soon.
And I will add, we are a basket case. A complete joke.
He isn’t coming to a club where the ceo thinks our continous year after year injury list is an “accident “ and playing under a coach who one minute says “no limits” and the next minutes says “a great draft hand” which implies limits.
It’s actually laughable
Strange things happen in sport sometimes. Always a chance in a 3/4 horse race.
Like Craig Hutchison has a indicated. It's not laughable.
Richmond by far will be able to offer the best package. Pick 1 plus future first? I doubt he cares what the CEO says about injuries.
Also an unprecedented, front ended contract. Talk is cheap at this stage. Big money for port to match, if they can. And then, they have to invest in a guy that wants to live in Victoria...
If you get some luck and cumming. Grlj. Smillie etc. can get healthy
- lalor (apparently friends ) Taranto. Butter looks pretty competitive mix on paper?
If the new rules are implemented they will find it difficult to land Dougie Cochrane
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I hope that I am wrong but reckon I am spot on. I do think the minute he decides to leave it changes the conversation as our number 1 will become hot property with other clubs
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Insane deal Butters won't be able to resist
By SEN
14 April 2026
Death, taxes and weekly discussions on the future of Port Adelaide star Zak Butters (umpire saga aside).
But could one club be preparing to offer the biggest contract in league history for the 25-year-old who is set to become the most in-demand free agent at the end of the season.
While some view Geelong and the Western Bulldogs as the top suitors for Butters, the Agenda Setters panel discussed a rumoured offer being prepared by Richmond who, given their current young squad, would be in a position to offer a mouth-watering front-loaded deal.
Craig Hutchison initiated the discussion on Monday night's show suggesting the Tigers could table up to $4.5 million for Butters in year one.
“Well, he’s leaving (Port), that’s clear," Hutchison said. "It’s just a matter of who. I was interested to see the revelations that Richmond has emerged. If they are serious Richmond, they will be unbelievably hard to beat (for Butters' signature).
"Here's a very interesting set of circumstances, Richmond, that no one's ever had in history probably to this degree given the volume of draft picks they bought in. This is how they make a knockout punch.
"Now, let's assume the market's $1.6 (million) to be respectful. Now, I know some are saying it’s $2 million, I think it's about $1.6 million, the market. Seven years feels about right. 26 to 33 years, given the way he plays, it's probably reckless to offer anything longer than that.
"The Tigers have got a five-year strategy that involves a flag, that's a period of time they think they'll come good in. And they've got all this talent, they've got all these, first round draft picks that aren't being paid much.
"Captain day one for me I think. He’s the right leader. Don't wait, similar to Chris Judd at Carlton in you come and lead the team, and I'm sure Nank (Toby Nankervis) can hand it over.
"Elite draft picks they got now are all on the smaller pay scale. Now, this whole game here is get Zak and pay as much money as you can physically cope with and handle in the first two years, to get that money out of the way before the talent matures."
Nick Riewoldt: “Four and a half (million) in year one!”
Hutchison added: “This is the way I would construct it. $4.5 million in year one, which is double any player has ever received in a year. $2.3 million in year two and $2 million in year three. You've got to move that money out and early in the $18 million salary cap, which will grow in that time, as well.
"Then you're left with your window. So, years four and five is where their strategy matures. You would think they're going to have some, not all, of Taj Hotton in here, and Josh Smillie, they're not all going to be million-dollar players, but some of them are, some of them are going to be million-dollar players by then. And you've got to be able to get the money out, so that's still the $1.6 million average, but it clears the money out at a time which suits Zak.
"It'd be very hard to say no to if you're looking at that money, and your pitch is, you're going to captain that next premiership, and here's the pieces we put around you. You tell me he wouldn't look at that seriously?”
Riewoldt continued: “Absolutely you’d look at it seriously. You'd have to buy into the fact that Richmond are on the right track. The other attractive part of that, from a Richmond point of view, is you de-risk yourself later in his career, given the combative way that he plays. You're not on the hook for a massive number.”
Caroline Wilson: “It takes a special sort of player to be captained on day one.”
Kane Cornes: “Oh, no, he can do that. But if I were for Richmond, that's a great case, Richmond, beautiful, no worries, I'd do that. But you've got to say to Butters you’re going to a club on $1.6 million that’s won five games in the last two years, you could get more to go to a contender.
"So, it works for Richmond, great case for Richmond, beautiful, no worries they’d do that deal, but you’ve got to sell to Butters you’re not going to win a game for the next 3-4 years.”
Hutchison: “I think they're going to come on much better than that.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/04/14/afl-trade-talk-zak-butters-to-richmond-how-much
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Good pitch, have to say.
If we offer him something silly like 4.5m in 2027 then you can absolutely kiss goodbye vets like Lynch, Prestia, Broad etc. Which is fine by me personally.
Alternatively, if Port matches, we also have the best draft picks and are able to trade a maximum of 3 years worth - albeit they will end up compromised by Tas.
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Almost no chance port match a ridiculous year 1. Year 2 I would guess
Not sure lynch would be gone if he is happy to accept minimum
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If they match, does the contract need to be exactly the same, or just the same value over the period?
If exact, then yeah I agree, even with their poo list they couldn't match 4.5 in a year.
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I thought they just had to match the total $$ and length
And I still think they will want players and picks
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My interpretation is that it needs to be identical. Base payments you think would include the base yearly wages.
https://www.afl.com.au/about-afl/free-agency
Matching Offers
A contract offer is matched if the football payments and ASAs are equivalent under the offer and the contract proposed by the player’s current club. To qualify as a matching offer, the player’s current club must make an offer on the same terms as the new offer tabled by the player including:
Contract length;
Base payments;
Total match payments;
Total ASA payments;
Total performance incentives based on AFL awards or honours, club best and fairest finish or games played (not including finals). Any incentives for team performance do not have to be matched. A player cannot table an offer to be matched for less than a two-year contract length.
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Interesting Andy, so the $4.5m in year 1 that Hutchy proposed might gazump anything Port are able to do.
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Yeah but if that's the case it's an interesting strategy isn't it?
Any club could back-end contracts for existing players who need extensions, then massively front-end a contract for a FA target, preventing the other club from matching.
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I thought we did a bit of that ourselves back when resigned Dusty and then brought Lynch across? The super interesting thing is how much leverage we have if, in the highly unlikely scenario that Butters chooses us , we have over Port.
Particularly if Port end up mid table as the free agency pick simply won’t cut it for them to get Dougie Cochrane
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Lynch and Dusty were both back-ended mate.
Dusty finishing around 2023-24 on the big dollars, Lynch the same in 2024-25.
At one point I believe Lynch was making about 500k/year because he was light at the front end.
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Lynch and Dusty were both back-ended mate.
Dusty finishing around 2023-24 on the big dollars, Lynch the same in 2024-25.
At one point I believe Lynch was making about 500k/year because he was light at the front end.
Right you are. Other way around.
It took it the other way.
My understanding is that we have a heap of cap room and already recut contracts for Taranto and Hopper to front end load their contracts so the strategy was to hit free agency and trade hard as we have excess space to use now that helps us in 4-5 years when current kids are starting to command bigger $.
They were planning the trade/free agency to be more of a play at end of next year when redevelopment is completed and we were showing improvement on field but neither look on track…
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube channel reckons we've been showing "whiteboard" interest in Swan Joel Amartey. Someone to fill in the age gap as a tall forward between Lynch who is nearing retirement and Armstrong/Faull.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3UUpNmffGA
Joel Amartey and the Sydney Swans remain “a fair way off” when it comes to a new contract for the key forward.
SEN’s Sam Edmund is reporting that the 26-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season, is not necessarily close to agreeing with the Swans right now.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/04/16/afl-news-joel-amartey-contract-sydney-swans
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Not for me. Defs need a mature key forward to cover for lynch but I’m sure Amartey would be after some big $$$ since this is the biggest contract he’s gonna get. And other than the 2024 season where the swans made the GF, his highest goal tally is 20 in a year.
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And it’s a no from me.
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King. Walter. Lewis.
.out of contract apparently.
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Richmond linked to GWS ruckman Nick Madden
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We'd be a basket case if we weren't looking at the following in this order:
1. William Green (Syd)
2. Nic Madden (GWS)
3. Ned Moyle (GC)
4. Max Heath (Melb)
5. Zane Zakostelsky
6. Dante Visentini (PA)
Id go hard at Will Green. Was at Sydney against McAndrew who ended up being delisted and went to Crows who is doing well. No chance he plays ahead of Grundy for some time. Would be main ruck next year for us at 21, perfect age profile for rebuild.
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EMERGING GIANT ATTRACTS MAJOR INTEREST FROM VIC CLUB
Richmond has emerged as a major player in acquiring the services of young GWS ruckman Nick Madden ahead of this year’s trade period.
Foxfooty.com.au understands the Tigers are very interested in recruiting the 21-year-old and view him as a potential answer to their well-documented lack of ruck depth.
With club captain Toby Nankervis, who turns 32 in August, sidelined since Round 2, Adem Yze has trialled Samson Ryan, Campbell Gray and Category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown in the specialist position, as well as utility Noah Balta, with mixed success.
The latter has shown promising signs in the role, but would benefit from further development at VFL level — enhancing the appeal of Madden’s skill set.
The Giant, a former Category B rookie, is out of contract at year’s end, having last signed a two-year deal in April 2024.
Scans confirmed a PCL strain in Madden’s right knee only last week, after he broke into Adam Kingsley’s senior side in Gather Round and usurped first-choice ruck Kieren Briggs. Subsequently, the 204cm tall is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Since being taken by the Giants in the 2022 Rookie Draft, the Osborne product has played six AFL matches, making his debut in Round 13 last year against Port Adelaide.
At 204cm, with an athletic profile and strong vertical jump, Madden shapes as one of the players to benefit from the league’s new rule preventing competing rucks from crossing the centre line before engaging each other.
(https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/10afb16e1e9784ff89b437f44bc8fbce?width=768)
Madden (right) rucks against Richmond's Oliver Hayes-Brown during their 2026 Gather Round match at Barossa Park on April 12, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire via Getty Images)
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-latest-2026-adelaide-crows-interested-in-darcy-wilson-out-of-contract-at-st-kilda-saints-richmond-tigers-keen-on-nick-madden-at-gws-giants-exclusive-latest-news/news-story/dd5780b882b0feca8fa859abae24d812
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tigerland either has an inside scoop or the club is stalking his posts
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We’d be looking at the besr ruckman available in our age bracket. Madden is probably up there
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From Barrett:
IF ...
Jed Walter can't get a game for the Suns at the moment ...
THEN ...
I would imagine the Tigers would be monitoring this situation. Going to have to replace Tom Lynch at some stage.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1513232
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I’m a Jed Walter fan
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What would he cost though?
He's not much older than Fawcett, maybe 1 year.
He won't replace lynch any sooner than our other guys will mature more or less
But I'm not saying no, that's for sure. At least one of Faull, Fawcett and Armstrong won't work out you'd think
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What would he cost though?
He's not much older than Fawcett, maybe 1 year.
He won't replace lynch any sooner than our other guys will mature more or less
But I'm not saying no, that's for sure. At least one of Faull, Fawcett and Armstrong won't work out you'd think
Nothing. He’s out of contract at the end of this season
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What would he cost though?
He's not much older than Fawcett, maybe 1 year.
He won't replace lynch any sooner than our other guys will mature more or less
But I'm not saying no, that's for sure. At least one of Faull, Fawcett and Armstrong won't work out you'd think
Nothing. He’s out of contract at the end of this season
You still have to trade for him unless he walks to the draft which they rarely rarely do.
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I get Tom Boyd vibes
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What would he cost though?
He's not much older than Fawcett, maybe 1 year.
He won't replace lynch any sooner than our other guys will mature more or less
But I'm not saying no, that's for sure. At least one of Faull, Fawcett and Armstrong won't work out you'd think
Nothing. He’s out of contract at the end of this season
You still have to trade for him unless he walks to the draft which they rarely rarely do.
I think we trade appropriately which for a player in the 2’s is a low second or high third rounder or take him in the December draft
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Paul Army who is in the know reckons we are into. Jaxon Artemis. Mid season draft. From Tassie vfl
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"They've leaned on the friendship factor."
@CalTwomey reports that Tasmania has registered interest in best mates Sam Lalor and Finn O'Sullivan.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIKLBIaa4AA7HOM?format=jpg&name=medium) (https://x.com/AFL/status/2054396315652477257)
https://x.com/AFL/status/2054396315652477257
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Can’t see that happening
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I can. They will offer squillions
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More jumping at shadows or to put it another way a nothing story
Are members of the media that naive or perhaps stupid to think that behind closed doors negotiations are not already going on ::)
IMHO, there's nothing to see here
Lalor will re-sign, I'm not worried at all
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The facts are currently he has not re-signed.
Tassie will be offering him many millions, more, than Richmond.
Will he stay? Prob but you giving an opinion means little.
That lots of money for a young man made of glass to turn down.
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The facts are currently he has not re-signed.
Tassie will be offering him many millions, more, than Richmond.
Will he stay? Prob but you giving an opinion means little.
That lots of money for a young man made of glass to turn down.
The facts are we don't know have any idea where they are at with negotiations as thankfully it isn't getting played out in the media and in public.
Yes he will get offered a lot of $$ by Tassie amd he will get offered excellent coin by us
So... IMHO there is nothing to see here and nothing to worry about
Oh and BTW I reckon my gut feel on these things has been spot on over the years ;D
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Well that's not really true is it.
We have a rough idea Richmond would not be thrilled at giving more than one and Tassie would have no problem with two.
It sound like you have inside word you have been told he stays and that's good. But at this stage it's still problematic.
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The kid doesn’t seem to have the character of chasing money. If he would love it would be for other reasons. Think he’s pretty keen to be the next messiah at Richmond. Who wouldn’t want to be. Selling point to stay is pretty easy
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Every AFL club’s biggest trade targets and plans for out-of-contract stars — 18-club mega state of play
Will Faulkner
Fox Sports
May 14th, 2026
RICHMOND
The Tigers have been vocal in their desire to stay in the race for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, but right now they still remain a long shot for the midfielder’s services. That being said, they could well be the rival club capable of throwing the most money at him to play in a midfield alongside their emerging young guns.
AFL Media’s Callum Twomey revealed earlier this month that three-time premiership defender Nathan Broad is all but certain to head home to Western Australia at year’s end, after 11 loyal seasons at Punt Road.
They will, however, chase young GWS ruck Nick Madden intently, as exclusively revealed by foxfooty.com.au last week.
And despite not being out of contract until the end of 2029, Seven’s Tom Morris has revealed there is a significant watch on midfielder Jacob Hopper, who he says is “absolutely gettable”.
Morris has additionally flagged Rhyan Mansell as a potential watch as Tasmania looks to lure both him and star AFLW partner Monique Conti to the ‘Apple Isle’.
AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge has reported that 19-year-old Jasper Alger will agree to a one-year extension on his current deal.
From there, it leaves a number of younger players still yet to re-sign in the spotlight, but the most important is Sam Lalor, whose current deal expires in 2027. Foxfooty.com.au and AFL Media understand the Tasmania Devils will look to come hard for both Lalor and close mate Finn O’Sullivan as part of their recruiting plans ahead of entering the competition in 2028. That being said, the 2024 No.1 draft pick would be particularly hard to pry out of Punt Road, let alone Victoria.
Tyler Sonsie, Liam Fawcett and Judson Clarke are among the younger faces looking for extensions, while there’s also club captain Toby Nankervis, who at 31, still has some good football ahead of him — much like long-time servant Nick Vlastuin, who deserves at least another year.
Category B ruck Ollie Hayes-Brown has featured at senior level in recent weeks, and you would think deserves a short-term extension given his solid development since joining the club.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-state-of-play-2026-every-clubs-free-agents-and-trade-target-players-out-of-contract-zak-butters-future-fox-footy-analysis-exclusives-latest-news/news-story/39dc8b095981694ec2e168237fa623a5
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The facts are currently he has not re-signed.
Tassie will be offering him many millions, more, than Richmond.
Will he stay? Prob but you giving an opinion means little.
That lots of money for a young man made of glass to turn down.
I don't see Tassie offering their mega bucks to players who have played less than 20 games. It failed miserably at GWS with Scully. Tom Boyd failed miserable from an individual point of view regardless of 2016 premiership. All evidence points to young players on massive contracts ruins players and doesn't build sustained success or a premiership list that consistently challenges.
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The facts are currently he has not re-signed.
Tassie will be offering him many millions, more, than Richmond.
Will he stay? Prob but you giving an opinion means little.
That lots of money for a young man made of glass to turn down.
I don't see Tassie offering their mega bucks to players who have played less than 20 games. It failed miserably at GWS with Scully. Tom Boyd failed miserable from an individual point of view regardless of 2016 premiership. All evidence points to young players on massive contracts ruins players and doesn't build sustained success or a premiership list that consistently challenges.
I with respect do not agree.
I think lalor and fos would be very high in their list.
Even with his injury red flags.
Furthermore they are starting fresh with near unlimited picks and money. I don't think history matters to them but rather the future. Which they'd much prefer building around lalorn
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I think if club doesn’t considerably improve it’s care for the playing group - injury management, facilities and win/loss then we will be in for a rude shock with regard to who wants to leave in a year or two.
The arrogance of the club and some of our supporters around our future success being seemingly guaranteed and our young players being around for the future actually astounds me.
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Richmond coach addresses gun’s Tassie links, leadership aspirations
Jonty Ralphsmith
zerohanger.com
May 15, 2026
Richmond coach Adem Yze has complete faith that 2024 Pick 1 Sam Lalor will commit long term to the Tigers.
Lalor, currently sidelined with a partial Achilles injury, has been linked to Tasmania this week, alongside close mate Finn O'Sullivan, with his first AFL contract expiring at the end of next year, coinciding with the Devils' AFL entrance.
“(We're) fully confident (he signs long term),” Yze said on Friday.
“He's knocking on the door of our leadership group already.
“He understands how important he is to us on and off the field. Our players love him, the Tiger army loves him and we're trying to put in a process right now to get him back out there doing what he does best and that's obviously performing at AFL level.
“He's a highly regarded and much loved member of our footy club and no doubt (list manager) Blair (Hartley) will show him the love with the contract we're going to put in front of him.”
Unsurprised about the links given Lalor's status in the competition, Yze appeared unfazed about where things sit.
Just six members of the top 20 from 2024's AFL National Draft have signed beyond their initial three-year-contracts, with none of Lalor or teammates Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton or Josh Smillie yet putting pen to paper.
“We talk to him everyday. There is always going to be links," Yze said.
"I think every player that's out of contract and if I was Tassie, you'd be looking at the best available talent, who's available and out of contract and you start from the top and there's a reason you'd be speaking to Sammy Lalor, because he's one of the best players in the competition.
“And he knows that, he knows how valuable he is here and those discussions with Blair would be happening right now and securing his signature for a long term deal at our footy club because he's an amazing person, he's a great Richmond man and I know how much he loves the footy club and we can't wait to see what he produces when he gets back out there.”
https://www.zerohanger.com/richmond-coach-addresses-guns-tassie-links-leadership-aspirations-177062/
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“Yze appeared unfazed”
We spend a lot of time being unfazed at Richmond
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"I've spoken to multiple clubs today who've confirmed that they believe Joel Amartey's price on the open market will be between $1-1.2m per year as soon as Ben King signs."
Tom Morris on Joel Amartey's future.
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2056328356900061247
:gobdrop
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Amartey isn't worth $1-1.2 mil a season
But someone will pay it and hopefully it isn't us
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If someone will pay it then that’s what he’s “worth” in the current market.
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The next Dan McStay :)
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Amartey isn't worth $1-1.2 mil a season
But someone will pay it and hopefully it isn't us
When the ball hits his eye like an oval shaped pie, that’s Amartey
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SEN yesterday were talking about deals different clubs could do to get Butters. For Richmond, they had us giving up picks 1, 19 and next year's first.
Ah no! :nope
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SEN yesterday were talking about deals different clubs could do to get Butters. For Richmond, they had us giving up picks 1, 19 and next year's first.
Ah no! :nope
What we can do is:
Here is pick 1 and pick 19
Give us your top pick (6-8) and Butters.
You get Dougie Cochrane.
If you say no, we pick up Butters in December draft.
If Butters wants to come to Richmond, we will get him.
This article is attacking the wrong angle.
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And yet time and time again, players don't walk to the wooden spooner in the PSD.
If we get him it will be via trade, and we'll trade away a lot of picks.
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Not interested. Would rather get 3 top picks in then trade them all for butters.
We need to be getting players through free agency and banking our top end picks
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Not interested. Would rather get 3 top picks in then trade them all for butters.
We need to be getting players through free agency and banking our top end picks
Agree completely with this
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"Richmond is the outlier here.. it's comfortably beyond $15/16 million across the tenure and front-ended as well"
Cal Twomey on Zak Butters (via Gettable)
https://x.com/i/status/2056891580594987452
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Agree TK.
If Port can't match it then we're golden.
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"Richmond is the outlier here.. it's comfortably beyond $15/16 million across the tenure and front-ended as well"
Cal Twomey on Zak Butters (via Gettable)
https://x.com/i/status/2056891580594987452
:shh
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Not interested in this trade if it involves giving away picks, we did tha with Taranto and hopper, no deal eddy
If we do a deal giving away picks why didn’t we just keep Bolton??
Crazy talk
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We desperately need to improve our list - think Butters is perfect for the right deal.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIrPAgNasAAp5vu?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/codeaflau/status/2056683790148493550
21 AFL stars Tassie should chase… and their chances of leaving, as fresh rules to blow up trade market
Ben Waterworth
Fox Sports
May 20th, 2026
The Midweek Tackle panellists divided 21 players into six categories regarding the likelihood of the Devils chasing or landing them.
‘GRAB IT PAYDAY’ – make the most of your chance and cash in
Jon Ralph says …
“Taj Hotton, I think, is a ‘no’. He’s a homebody, he wants to stay here. He’ll get massive cash at Richmond.
“Josh Smillie, he’s never going to get that good cash. But if by the end of next year he’s played very little at Richmond, it might almost be that one where you think, Jordan Ridley-style, ‘can another fitness program get me right?’ It’ll be a really important year for him in his third season.
“Harry Armstrong has shown huge potential at Richmond. He’s just going to slot in there nicely. I think Tom Lynch would go around for another year next year and I can’t see him moving on.
‘STALKING HORSE’ – use Tasmania to your benefit to get more money
Jon Ralph says …
“Jonty Faull, he’s someone that’s just starting to come good. But you’re not going to get mega bucks at Richmond. They (the Devils) might think one of these key forwards – whether it’s him (Faull) or an Armstrong – ‘we can build a side around that kind of player’. Let’s face it, you can have a lot of midfielders, (but) you need a big dog, an aggressive forward. That’s why someone like Jonty Faull is a bit of a chance.”
Josh Barnes says …
“I think the amount of players Richmond brought in and are going to be out of contract probably together, it means one or two of them are going to get pinched by Tasmania or probably somewhere else. This is where if you’re a Jonty Faull or even a Luke Trainor, you’ve got to try and make the most of it and say: ‘This guy is getting this much, what about me? Tasmania wants to pay me this much, give me those big bucks.’
‘CAN’T LET IT HAPPEN’ – may as well shut the club door if this guy joins Tassie
Jon Ralph says …
“Sam Lalor. Adem Yze has already said ‘we’re really considering a serious offer for him’. I’m sure he’ll be signed away pretty early.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/department-of-trade/afl-news-2026-the-21-stars-tasmania-devils-could-target-and-their-trade-chances-of-leaving-analysed-by-midweek-tackle-team/news-story/34243beea1c2e28b1b850fa3934e3d1e
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ZAK BUTTERS (Port Adelaide)
Jon Ralph says: “Geelong might be $1.6 million, Dogs maybe $1.8 million, I think clubs like Melbourne and Richmond massively front-ended – maybe it’d get closer to $2 million.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/department-of-trade/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2026-bold-verdict-on-12-uncontracted-stars-including-zak-butters-tom-sparrow-ben-king-darcy-wilson-jed-walter-midweek-tackle/news-story/8c15e392551f19a9b4c26be6afcd549a
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The Tigers are ready to transition their focus towards the trade and free agency space and have put forward the most lucrative offer to Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters in a deal worth close to $2 million per year for at least eight seasons.
"We looked at players last year," Gieschen said.
"We have list management meetings about players we're looking at and what the best thing for Richmond is. It's not as though we stepped away from trade. We assess all the players that are up for grabs and open. That's something we're constantly discussing.
We've stockpiled a lot of young talent, we're keen to hit the draft again this year. But if players of interest are available to us and it's the right thing for us, we're open to everything."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1527962
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Tom Green is a free agent next year.
The number one thing is, are we going to be successful for the vast majority of my career? I suppose,” Green told SEN Breakfast.
“You obviously cannot predict 10 years ahead or however long, but the number one thing for me is - I want to win a premiership. That’s a feeling I want to have. I want to achieve the ultimate.
“The number one question that I'm asking myself is, ‘Where am I best positioned to do that?’. Things like, ‘Who do I think is going to be a successful club? Where do I think we’re going to be able to have sustained success?’.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/06/03/afl-2026-tom-green-free-agency-decision-biggest-factor-gws-tasmania
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Yes please
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Yes please
Toby rumors as well.
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Triple m saying we offer butters 18m / 8 years.
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Raises a few questions , whilst he is exactly what we need, what is that amount going to do to any future retention and recruitment at the club.
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Raises a few questions , whilst he is exactly what we need, what is that amount going to do to any future retention and recruitment at the club.
If it's front ended heavy should be alright
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Triple m saying we offer butters 18m / 8 years.
You’d be crazy not take that type of money
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Keen on butters. Another year into kids, Prestia retire, we'll have some pace again maybe
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Keen on butters. Another year into kids, Prestia retire, we'll have some pace again maybe
Yep. Need to do something
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Triple m saying we offer butters 18m / 8 years.
You’d be crazy not take that type of money
True but i think he would also want some sort of success. Not sure how our club can sell that in the short term
Some players have in the past taken lower offers to chase a premiership, gone to clubs in the premiership window
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Triple m saying we offer butters 18m / 8 years.
You’d be crazy not take that type of money
True but i think he would also want some sort of success. Not sure how our club can sell that in the short term
Some players have in the past taken lower offers to chase a premiership, gone to clubs in the premiership window
And then more often than not. Failed to win a flag.
Big money to reject.
If the dogs are favorites. How many more millions are Richmond offering than them? Id guess many.
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Why don’t we get some great speedy Irish players? Why is it always the same clubs? We should be the leaders in this too!
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Tigers have “great flexibility” to acquire talent
By Callum Twomey,
AFL Media
Jun 5, 2026
Richmond is preparing to target high-end rival players as well as retain its batch of top draftees with new deals under a clear salary cap strategy.
Speaking before last week’s game in Sydney, Club president John O'Rourke told AFL.com.au the Tigers were managing their total player payments with two clear focuses.
O'Rourke said the Tigers were positioning their cap space to be ready to re-sign top guns as well as go shopping.
"We've always done a good job in planning out where we sit from a cap point of view multiple years in advance and that's what Blair (Hartley) and the team have done again," O'Rourke said.
"I think we've got lots of options now, whether that's capacity for free agents in the short term or it's just maintaining flexibility.
"We haven't had this much young high-end talent even in our most significant period as we were building towards our premiership era. It wasn't as stacked with the high picks that we've got a hold of in the last couple of years, so that's part of the equation as well as to how we accommodate building a team around those players over the next three or four years.
"The starting point is one of great flexibility so I think we're well placed."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2039962/tigers-have-great-flexibility-to-acquire-talent
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It’s believed Adelaide has offered Zac Bailey, a restricted free agent, a mega seven-year, $10 million deal. That would trump Brisbane’s offer, which is reportedly a six-year deal worth around $6-$.6.5 million.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/adelaide-crows/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2026-adelaide-crows-latest-news-trade-targets-zac-bailey-lachie-neale-jed-walter-tom-sparrow/news-story/9c2402e7040d5f6c77e61839eb4ca9dc
We've been linked to Bailey as well, but moreso Butters.
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I would rather Bailey for $10m over 7 years vs Butters $18m over 8 years
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"Nice exit plan": Butters trade rumour that won't go away
By Connor Scanlon
SEN
5 June 2026
With Zak Butters entering free agency at the conclusion of the 2026 season, rumours have continued to fly around regarding which club the gun midfielder will land at over the offseason.
Rumours that Richmond was preparing a monster bid for Butters have been rife since Craig Hutchison tabled the news on the Agenda Setters in April.
Hutchy reported the Tigers would table up to $4.5 million for Butters in year one and make him captain immediately.
Reports of a similarly mammoth deal have started doing the rounds again this week with $18 million the number being touted.
Speaking on SEN’s Fireball, Kane Cornes dove into this enormous contract rumour.
The 300-gamer also explained that Port Adelaide would be willing to agree to a deal with Richmond over the likes of the Western Bulldogs or Collingwood, thanks to the Tigers' high draft pick for the 2026 National Draft.
“It's big… $18 million, $2.25 million (per year) with three to four million in the first year,” Cornes started.
“They are one club that can do it. I think Port Adelaide would be happy to do it with Richmond more so than the Western Bulldogs or Collingwood.
“They're going to have pick 2 (in the National Draft) as a starting point for Zak, then there'd be some change involved in that.”
North Melbourne legend David King chimed in on the conversation, stating that he also heard AFL.com.au’s lead football, draft and trade journalist Cal Twomey suggest that Butters is happy to go to one of three clubs – Richmond, Geelong or the Dogs.
King: “I've heard a lot of different ways of attacking this discussion.”
“I think it was Cal Twomey talking about maybe offering up two or three options – (Butters is) happy to go to Richmond, Dogs, or Geelong, but in that order.
“See what the best deal is you can get for your football club. That's a nice exit plan, isn't it? To give the club the best opportunity.”
Cornes: “And he can go wherever they can get the best deal done.”
“Has that ever happened before? I can't remember a player going, ‘I'm happy to go to one of three clubs,’ usually they name their club.”
King: “If you're going to take the $18 million over eight years, it's a nice way of massaging it, isn't it?
“‘I haven't taken the money, no, no, no, I said in court, I'll go to one of these three clubs. They chose the deal for Richmond, and here we are.’”
However, Cornes believes the Power star has already made his mind up about which club he will move to.
“I just think he's made his mind up though,” Cornes added.
“I think he's made his mind up six, 12 months ago. And they might know that he’s made his mind up.”
Regarding how this massive-money deal will impact Richmond, Sam Edmund is of the belief that it is an incredibly smart business move from the Tigers.
But it may still not be enough to push Butters to Punt Road.
“Smart business, isn't it?” stated Edmund.
“It's smart business in the sense that if you've got the money to spend, and Richmond clearly do, if you've got the money to spend and you've got a young group coming through, well, then you've clearly got a large balloon now to front-end a contract.
“Is it going to be enough to get him there? I still don't think so. I still think Zak Butters will want to go to a team that will contend in the short-term as opposed to the long-term.
“But you’ve got to be in it to win it, and I love it. I think it's great that they're having a red-hot crack it at Richmond.”
King added: “You couldn’t walk past that sort of cash, could you? It’s four million for one year!"
Butters has been averaging 30.7 disposals this season and will be an incredible pickup for the team which can get their hands on him.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/06/05/afl-2026-zak-butters-trade-rumours-richmond-contract-offer
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I’m not overly enthusiastic about the offer for obvious reasons not related to how much a gun butters is.
If port can match it then I’ve got less than 0 interest in giving up our top picks in 2 drafts. I really doubt they can match it when you factor in it potentially being heavily front ended.
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RACE FOR FOOTY’S MOST PRIZED SIGNATURE
Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
5 June 2026
Richmond might have the best financial offer for Zak Butters. But that doesn’t necessarily make the Tigers the frontrunners for the most sought-after free agent in the game.
The Tigers have put a record offer to Butters worth as much as $18 million over eight years.
The Western Bulldogs, who industry sources say are still the most likely landing spot, Geelong and Collingwood are also currently in the picture.
As Butters does his due diligence on his home for 2027 and beyond as he looks to get back to Victoria for family reasons, all four suitors have levels of appeal.
Playing for a big Melbourne club, like Richmond or Collingwood, and in front of big crowd is seen as something that could interest the 25-year old.
The Tigers, clearly, have a war chest, and a figure in the $18 million range shouldn’t be underestimated. Not to mention, Richmond’s budding young list that should only improve from here.
It’s worth noting that, if Butters does indeed decide to head home to Victoria, the 17th-placed Richmond has, in theory, the best draft assets to make a deal happen. Given Port is all but certain to match any offer he receives, as a restricted free agent, and force a trade.
The Tigers currently have Pick 2, and you’d expect the selections tied to them over the next couple of years will also be thereabouts. Though Tasmania is set to have a big impact on the coming drafts (more on that later).
... if Port traded Butters to a club that finishes in the top six, its first-round pick in 2027 would drift into the 20s. So the idea of getting multiple first-round picks from a contender is more like one late first-rounder and early second-rounders.
In addition to the Power’s own 2027 pick moving back and the loss of Draft Value Index (DVI) points along with it.
Whereas, the team that finishes 18th is slated to have Pick 2 next year. The side that’s 17th is set to get Pick 4 and and third-last will get Pick 6.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-zak-butters-free-agency-call-clubs-interested-western-bulldogs-geelong-richmond-collingwood-trade-news-rumours-whispers-essendon-draft-assistance-package/news-story/6f359288e186ae3f5efef91d0c1bb6b4
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Richmond's record offer for Zak Butters, including big years up front, has been on the table for months
His decision isn't & never has been about money though. He's handling his contract year - via form, media appearances, captaincy - as well as anyone since Dangerfield in '15
- Callum.Twomey
https://x.com/i/status/2062757190650441953
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Also agree to not trading for him.
FA and take the compo, or we should hit the draft.
They probably can't match it and we shouldn't feel obligated to trade our way out of 2-3 drafts in a rebuild to make Port feel better.
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Also agree to not trading for him.
FA and take the compo, or we should hit the draft.
They probably can't match it and we shouldn't feel obligated to trade our way out of 2-3 drafts in a rebuild to make Port feel better.
I agree Andyy. We shouldn't give up the farm for one player at this stage of our rebuild. As good as Butters is, we're still a long long way off from playing finals let alone contending. If we go back to our dynasty team it took about a decade to win a flag after our first successful drafts in 2006-7 in which brought in Riewoldt, Edwards, Cotch and Rance. If we treat the 2024-25 drafts similarly, giving up a lot of draft capital for a single big name now is a risk as that player may be nearing the end of their career say by 2034. Carlton did it with Judd and they never got past a couple of semi-finals before falling away again.
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Port star responds to wild $18m offer put to champion teammate
Nic Negrepontis
Nine
June 5, 2026
Fellow Port Adelaide star midfielder Jason Horne-Francis was on the program and was “surprised” by that assessment.
“Frontrunner? Wow,” Horne-Francis, Butters’ top midfield partner said.
“I’m surprised that Richmond would be the frontrunner … with the (other) clubs (pursing him) closer to where he lives.
“But hopefully Port are the frontrunners at the moment.”
Butters grew up in Darley in regional Victoria, making Geelong a geographic fit, though the Bulldogs were the team he supported all of his life.
The Tigers currently hold pick two in the draft and are, alongside Essendon, the team most likely to win the wooden spoon.
Pick No.1 would be an enormous win for Port Adelaide, given it would allow them to select star academy prospect Dougie Cochrane without having to match a rival’s bid.
The Power have stated they will match any bid for free agent Butters and force his team of choice to trade for him.
The Bulldogs only hold one pick in the first round of this year’s draft, while selections in 2027 and 2028 are heavily compromised by Tasmania’s concessions.
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2026-port-adelaide-zak-butters-free-agency-trade-richmond-western-bulldogs-offer-20260605-p604de.html
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Also agree to not trading for him.
FA and take the compo, or we should hit the draft.
They probably can't match it and we shouldn't feel obligated to trade our way out of 2-3 drafts in a rebuild to make Port feel better.
I agree Andyy. We shouldn't give up the farm for one player at this stage of our rebuild. As good as Butters is, we're still a long long way off from playing finals let alone contending. If we go back to our dynasty team it took about a decade to win a flag after our first successful drafts in 2006-7 in which brought in Riewoldt, Edwards, Cotch and Rance. If we treat the 2024-25 drafts similarly, giving up a lot of draft capital for a single big name now is a risk as that player may be nearing the end of their career say by 2034. Carlton did it with Judd and they never got past a couple of semi-finals before falling away again.
Carlton was a very decent team and they gave away a 100-goal ff so the sake of wokeism. They were much closer to being competitive with judd than without.
The cotchin/Martin/Jack/Rance etc. era was great but that isn't going to always be the blueprint. Too nostalgic to try replicate exactly.
In theory: butters. Lalor. Hotton. Cumming. Taranto etc. etc is going to give it a good crack. You also have a decent balance of experience hopefully in lynch and com and the developing Sims. Armstrong. Faull. Types
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If the FA compo isn't enough, and Port wants to match, we should tell them to gagf then use P2 on their academy kid to damage their draft hand.
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If the FA compo isn't enough, and Port wants to match, we should tell them to gagf then use P2 on their academy kid to damage their draft hand.
Essendon will have done that bidding before we get the chance (if they finish bottom)
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It’s up to Butters. If he wants to leave, we have the whip hand.
Up to us to convince him which is where I have my doubts
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Wonder how loyal Taylor Goad is to North. No chance he has a career behind Tristian Xerri at North. Very highly talented young ruck, only 21.
Light years ahead of anything we have in ruck stocks.
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We're one of the Vic clubs who have had face-to-face meetings with Butters.
Dogs, Cats still the frontrunners, but Daicos joins Pies’ chase for Butters
Jake Niall
The Age
June 14, 2026
Collingwood and Richmond have both met with Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters, with the Magpies using their champion Nick Daicos as part of their in-person pitch to the game’s most-accomplished free agent.
The Magpies and Tigers – both viewed as trailing the Western Bulldogs, in particular, and Geelong, in the race for Butters – have nonetheless held face-to-face meetings with the Port Adelaide superstar, sources familiar with the meetings have confirmed.
Collingwood’s decision to make Daicos part of their pitch to Butters – the 23-year-old superstar was in the club’s meeting with Butters during this season – is a measure of Daicos’ value as a selling point to players, but also of Collingwood’s wish to support their young superstar with seasoned quality via free agency.
Within the clubs, the Bulldogs are viewed as the clear frontrunners for Butters, followed by Geelong, despite Richmond’s greater capacity to meet Port Adelaide’s need for draft compensation should Butters choose to return to Victoria, as clubs believe likely. The Tigers also have massive salary cap room for an AFL-leading, long-term Butters contract.
Richmond’s 2024 No.1 pick Sam Lalor has a relationship with Butters, who hails from Darley, near Lalor’s home town of Bacchus Marsh in the outer reaches of Melbourne’s west.
Port have vowed they will match any free-agent offer for Butters, which means they will be seeking multiple first-round picks for their premier midfielder. If they did not match the relevant offer, they would receive one first-round pick (pick No.5, based on the current ladder).
Port’s intention to match offers and force a favourable trade makes it difficult for Collingwood to compete for Butters’ services, even in the unlikely event that he nominated them, given Collingwood’s wish to retain a first-round pick this year as they attempt to regenerate the oldest list in the AFL.
The Magpies are clearly seeking to remain in finals contention – by bringing in mature recruits who can impact immediately – whilst introducing youth to a list that will lose several veterans, headed by Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe, soon. Geelong is the only club that has successfully straddled those objectives over the past dozen years.
The Lions have been in regular discussions with Neale’s management about his future, and face the prospect of potentially losing another free agent, Zac Bailey, to free agency – Bailey having received a sizeable offer from Adelaide that the Lions are unlikely to match if he exercises his free-agency rights.
Hawthorn held an interest in Butters, but remain keen on Essendon’s star Zach Merrett, who is contracted for 2027 and viewed as likely to seek a trade again this year after the Bombers declined to move him last October. Their training base in Dingley, obviously, is much further from Butters’ home town than the Bulldogs or inner-city Melbourne clubs, and a longer trip than Geelong.
The Hawks are the lead suitors for Gold Coast’s free agent key forward Ben King, should he decide to leave. King had indicated to this masthead his preference to stick with the Suns, who have had a two-year offer on the table for some time.
Port Adelaide believe they will need the equivalent to picks No.4 and 8 in the national draft to match a bid for their next-generation academy gun Dougie Cochrane if the team with pick No.1 placed a bid on him.
While they would match a bid for Butters regardless of the Cochrane scenario, the tough new draft-bid rules provide further incentive for forcing a trade and gaining multiple early picks.
Butters and Daicos will meet again on the field next weekend when the Magpies tackle Port Adelaide, the superstar pair having played together for Victoria in the State of Origin game back in February, when they were among the best afield.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pies-tigers-met-with-zak-butters-with-nick-daicos-involved-in-collingwood-s-pitch-20260613-p606hh.html
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Cats still haven’t been told they are out of the race for Butters but are aware their pitch is more about flag contention and lifestyle than the biggest offer. Richmond can offer MCG games and a future window. But the Dogs couldn’t be more confident in their position as it stands
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HKqDKEyb0AArLU5?format=jpg&name=small)
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2065635047852622333
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I don't want to pay 3 first rounders unless there's something coming back.
Reckon we should tell them to take the FA compo then offer a silly trade like Visentini for a couple of compromised first rounders at best.
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This was back on Tuesday night but Tiger71 on Tigercast reckons we're favourite to get Butters and we're also into Ben King. Trying to get both. Out of Butters, King and Bailey, he's confident we'll get at least one of them.
We're favourite and leading the race for Butters because we're the only one who can offer a win for Butters, Port & the club he is going to (us). Port can't match either.
Two ways it gets done:
1. No bid on Cochrane, our first (pick 2) + future 1st = deal done 2nd day of trade period.
2. No bid on Cochrane, our 2nd rounder (early 20s), future 1st + sweetener (unknown Tiger player) = longer way.
Deal isn't 18 million but it's the highest offer. If the trade period was now, Butters to us would be a done deal. But it's June so a lot can happen between now and October. Butters has told Port two weeks ago he's gone. Geelong not in it. Only between us and the Bulldogs.
Nick Madden is the other one (which isn't new as other accounts on social media reckon Madden to us is a done deal).
Tiger71 also threw out to keep an eye on us and Matt Rowell for next year's trade period.
https://youtu.be/XffSBdk-TwY?t=2275
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Cal Twomey on 3aw:
Ben King: - Hawthorn is the one and well ahead of other clubs in Melbourne such as Geelong and Collingwood. Twomey didn't mention us at all.
Butters: - Bulldogs are "obsessed" with getting Butters. They are in position 1A. We (Richmond) will be able to offer to the largest deal. Geelong and Collingwood the others interested. Butters will be in Melbourne next year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEcEgq8ZFPE
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Witts, 33, is out of contract and as an unrestricted free agent, he can make a call on his future and walk to a club for free, if he is to consider his future.
Richmond would also be a fit, but the Tigers are believed to have a ruckman already locked in, having been linked to both of GWS pair Kieren Briggs and Nick Madden.
- https://www.afl.com.au/news/1540906
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Geelong in the race for Butters… makes me lol every time a top tier free agent hits the market. ‘Geelong in the mix’. Maybe Melbourne based clubs need to ask for the COLA to be reinstated to compete with the Cats.
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lifestyle attraction
fmd have you ever been to geelol?
like watching paint dry imo
maybe when you're 35+ retired and wanting the raise the kids
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lifestyle attraction
fmd have you ever been to geelol?
like watching paint dry imo
maybe when you're 35+ retired and wanting the raise the kids
The attraction is living on the coast or on a farm, not geelong itself
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lifestyle attraction
fmd have you ever been to geelol?
like watching paint dry imo
maybe when you're 35+ retired and wanting the raise the kids
Torquay, Ocean Grove, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Lorne is nice paint to watch dry.
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Yep, pretty sure Floss lives down in Torquay - point is you don't have to play for the Cats and Geelong itself is boring AF.
Better off playing at the G in front of a huge crowd and enjoying the CBD until you're the wholesome retirement age of 32-35.
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lifestyle attraction
fmd have you ever been to geelol?
like watching paint dry imo
maybe when you're 35+ retired and wanting the raise the kids
Torquay, Ocean Grove, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Lorne is nice paint to watch dry.
Lorne? Lol
Imagine the trek from Lorne to Geelong every day
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reckon dangerdive will free a bit up when he gets the nudge.
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There’s been a few players live down here and play for Melbourne clubs. Would be pretty tough though
If I couldn’t play for tiges then it would be Geelong for the lifestyle, easy choice
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shanty town
We should have the pull for a bloke in his 20's!
30-35+ with kids yeah maybe I get that.
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I think Geelong and the Bellarine peninsula are awful unless you like to surf. Traffic has become horrible, blocks are small with houses not that well built.
I would imagine the attraction is regional living but honestly cannot for the life of me can’t understand why you wouldn’t hit the Mornington Peninsula which has everything on the other side only nicer and with a much wider variety of golf courses, wineries etc.
Traffic is a bummer but honestly would it be any worse than Geelong?
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reckon dangerdive will free a bit up when he gets the nudge.
Has never been on more than 800k at his peak Danger. *officially of course.
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Agree HRT!
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I think Geelong and the Bellarine peninsula are awful unless you like to surf. Traffic has become horrible, blocks are small with houses not that well built.
I would imagine the attraction is regional living but honestly cannot for the life of me can’t understand why you wouldn’t hit the Mornington Peninsula which has everything on the other side only nicer and with a much wider variety of golf courses, wineries etc.
Traffic is a bummer but honestly would it be any worse than Geelong?
Lived on the surfcoast for 30 years. Traffic is fine apart from 2 weeks around Christmas and new years. In fact traffic is non existent compared to Melbourne really. As far as blocks go I'm not sure where you're getting that idea from either. I'm a registered builder, worked on many blocks, houses etc. Apart from the volume estates its bloody beautiful. Can't speak much for the Bellarine though
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There’s been a few players live down here and play for Melbourne clubs. Would be pretty tough though
If I couldn’t play for tiges then it would be Geelong for the lifestyle, easy choice
I think you may find a current Tiger lives down Torquay way now ;D
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There’s been a few players live down here and play for Melbourne clubs. Would be pretty tough though
If I couldn’t play for tiges then it would be Geelong for the lifestyle, easy choice
I think you may find a current Tiger lives down Torquay way now ;D
Andyy mentioned it a few posts earlier
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There’s been a few players live down here and play for Melbourne clubs. Would be pretty tough though
If I couldn’t play for tiges then it would be Geelong for the lifestyle, easy choice
I think you may find a current Tiger lives down Torquay way now ;D
Yes I have posted before about the night I ended up at his house with the 3 premiership cups there, what a night
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I think Geelong and the Bellarine peninsula are awful unless you like to surf. Traffic has become horrible, blocks are small with houses not that well built.
I would imagine the attraction is regional living but honestly cannot for the life of me can’t understand why you wouldn’t hit the Mornington Peninsula which has everything on the other side only nicer and with a much wider variety of golf courses, wineries etc.
Traffic is a bummer but honestly would it be any worse than Geelong?
Lived on the surfcoast for 30 years. Traffic is fine apart from 2 weeks around Christmas and new years. In fact traffic is non existent compared to Melbourne really. As far as blocks go I'm not sure where you're getting that idea from either. I'm a registered builder, worked on many blocks, houses etc. Apart from the volume estates its bloody beautiful. Can't speak much for the Bellarine though
Have to agree with you
How do you find the Bellarine through I don't mind it blocks are bit smaller.
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"We're a destination club."
- Richmond coach Adem Yze on the club's interest in Zak Butters and big-name trade targets despite their ladder position.
Watch here: https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2068994698770100602
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yes, a poo destination, like how the werribee sewerage farm is technically a destination if you chuck it in your google maps
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yes, a poo destination, like how the werribee sewerage farm is technically a destination if you chuck it in your google maps
Spot on Andy. It was so cringey watching him say that with less conviction than Albo saying Labour’s position on capital gains had changed.
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"We're a destination club."
- Richmond coach Adem Yze on the club's interest in Zak Butters and big-name trade targets despite their ladder position.
Watch here: https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2068994698770100602
I saw it and I did this :facepalm
Sometimes it's better to just say nothing
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“For mine ... 99 per cent of the time you just laugh it off – it is what it is,” Butters said of the speculation.
“I think all you guys [media] talk about it more than me,” Butters said.
“When I’m in my circle, my friends and family, they don’t really talk about it too much.
“And the footy club has been great – my coaches, my teammates, staff, I couldn’t fault the footy club one bit and that’s why I guess I love playing footy there and love going to work there.
“For me, I’m still a 25-year-old kid who’s just trying to get better at footy, so it’s pretty simple.”
Butters said even if he had made a decision he wouldn’t announce it after the season finished.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-s-most-in-demand-player-says-the-league-is-not-quite-ready-for-nrl-style-player-movement-20260623-p609fc.html
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Didn’t watch the interview and probably won’t. While maybe not the best timing, I completely agree with him. We are obviously garbage on the field right now but that will turn in time. 3 out of last 10 flags, MCG tenant and being walking distance away, 90k+ members, trading ground and facilities being redeveloped, etc.
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good pitch TK, don't disagree generally, although I do think we're far enough away from the dynasty for it not to be a selling point.
There will be almost no premiership players left by the time Butters arrives. Balta, Short, Vlastuin, Nank, possibly Lynch, most of whom are on the decline badly.
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True Andy but I think it’s recent enough whereby you can sell players on that being the level we are strategising to build towards.
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West Coast free agent Bailey Williams is among a host of big men garnering rival interest as the ruck merry-go-round prepares to kick back into gear.
...
Richmond is also an interested onlooker in the Williams chase but has an eye on Nick Madden, who is yet to recommit at Greater Western Sydney despite a multi-year contract offer at the Giants being presented earlier this year.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1546785
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Bailey Williams would be a great get.
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SEN’s Sam Edmund believes there are some clubs who are prepared to pay as much as $1.2 million a year for 20-year-old Saint Darcy Wilson.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/06/25/afl-trade-news-darcy-wilson-st-kilda-kane-cornes-heads-should-roll
We've been linked to him.
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I'd be keen on both.
Don't know about $1.2kk for Wilson but he does look a gun tbh
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The Tigers are also among those keeping a keen eye on Nick Madden. The Giants have offered the 204cm youngster a new multi-year deal after a promising first six games in their AFL side, but it's yet to be signed. @AFLcomau
https://x.com/i/status/2069988290711912626
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The Tigers are also among those keeping a keen eye on Nick Madden. The Giants have offered the 204cm youngster a new multi-year deal after a promising first six games in their AFL side, but it's yet to be signed. @AFLcomau
https://x.com/i/status/2069988290711912626
All reports are a done deal.
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The Tigers are also among those keeping a keen eye on Nick Madden. The Giants have offered the 204cm youngster a new multi-year deal after a promising first six games in their AFL side, but it's yet to be signed. @AFLcomau
https://x.com/i/status/2069988290711912626
All reports are a done deal.
Done deal to stay or come to us?
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Done deal to leave and pick up a stress fracture at punt rd
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Would this really be that great of a pickup? I mean not like we have anyone decent outside of Nank, but this guy was also a rookie pick that has a grand total of 6 afl games to his name.
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absolutely agree with that TK.
While this is a need, the guy has played all of 6 games. What we need is bachar/ grigg types with 50 games under their belt.
if this is our first priority then we are not going anywhere.
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Madden is still pretty raw, but he'd be our best ruckman, with all due respect to our skipper, along with Witts the rules have ruined the monster ruckman and Nank being injury prone and 32 soon, I'm unsure how many yards he has left in him.
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Yze said the mood at the club is good and once again spruiked Punt Rd as a potential new home for someone like Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
"We're a big footy club in the heart of Melbourne," he said.
"When all of those highly talented players (at Richmond) start to play some games of footy together, it's going to be pretty exciting."
Source: AFL website (https://www.afl.com.au/news/1547659/richmond-tigers-taking-finals-mindset-into-collingwood-magpies-clash)
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HL8KuGUa0AEg7qI?format=jpg&name=large)
Trade talk: The three leaders in the race for Butters
By SEN
29 June 2026
The race for Zak Butters has three serious competitors, according to Tom Morris.
The Port Adelaide star’s name is the biggest in trade circles in 2026 with many believing he’ll join the Western Bulldogs.
SEN’s Morris concedes the Dogs are right at the pointy end of the Butters sweepstakes but there are a couple of legitimate contenders who are looming.
“I don’t think the Western Bulldogs are as far out in front as what people are saying,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.
“I think it’s a genuine three-horse race between Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.”
Morris went through the pros and cons for each of the three clubs.
“The benefits of being at Geelong is you’re likely going to compete on a yearly basis,” he continued.
“You won’t get paid as much as you would elsewhere.
“The Western Bulldogs has the emotional attachment because he grew up a Dogs supporter. We know that he and ‘Bont’ (Marcus Bontempelli) love each other.
“The Dogs have gone really hard and remain confident.
“And then Richmond. If he really wants to look after Port Adelaide, Richmond is the easiest deal to get done when Port matches the bid.
“They have the draft picks and they’ve got all money in the world.”
Kane Cornes interjected: “Of the reasons to leave, I don’t think Port Adelaide getting looked after is at the forefront of his mind.
“It’s an added bonus for him, because he clearly loves the club.
“If he goes to Richmond it’s money, and down the track (they could compete).
“If he goes to the Western Bulldogs it’s for the emotional attachment and there’s a chance they could really compete.
“And if he goes to Geelong it’s not about money, it’s about winning.”
Butters was superb in Port’s massive Showdown win over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night.
He amassed 37 disposals and 23 contested possessions as well as 13 clearances (five centre clearances), 11 inside 50s, nine score involvements and seven tackles to claim his second Showdown Medal.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/06/28/afl-trade-news-zak-butters-port-adelaide-geelong-richmond-western-bulldogs
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Bet he goes to Geelol for the 'lifestyle' and lands a gig at Morris Finance and 5G Networks.
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God im of Geelong
Id argue Gelelong the wheel always turns. Scott won't be there forever. Next coach may be a dud. Cameron and Danger are old. So is Stewart. Give me a spell.
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This is a free agency deal with Butters if he decides to come right ?. If we trade for him I'll be livid and sack all our football department
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Depends if Port can/choose to match. They stand to receive low compensation (not as bad as Buddy/Hawks).
And maybe what Butters insists his future club does for Port.
I wouldn't be trading them 3 1st round picks myself.
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I wouldn’t be trading them a damn thing.
Surely they can’t offer what we can or at the very least the front ended nature of it.
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Madden is still pretty raw, but he'd be our best ruckman, with all due respect to our skipper, along with Witts the rules have ruined the monster ruckman and Nank being injury prone and 32 soon, I'm unsure how many yards he has left in him.
I agree think Madden is exactly what we need. Similar age to nankervis when we drafted him and just turning 22 would fit in well with all the young blokes we have.
If he comes at a similar cost to Nank job well done. It enables us to have good backup to Nankervis and an obvious heir apparent, enables us to give Ryan the flick and maybe go for another ruck in the nd.
Nankervis coming in 2016 at age 22 spelt the end of both Maric and Hampson.
Madden coming in may well be the end of Nankervis and Ryan.
Madden and Sims as a fwd/ruck backup combo sounds good to me.
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GIANTS UP ANTE IN FIGHT TO KEEP IN-DEMAND RUCK
The two-way race for out of contract ruck Nick Madden is heating up, as his current club GWS looks to re-sign the once-Category B product.
Foxfooty.com.au can reveal the Giants are see Madden sign a deal that would lock away the athletic 204cm product for the remainder of the decade.
Adam Kingsley’s club have been fighting off strong interest from Richmond, which foxfooty.com.au first reported in early May.
The Tigers are beginning to plan for what life might look like after Toby Nankervis hangs up the boots, with the club captain turning 32 in August.
Richmond are expected to make at least one more counteroffer for Madden, such is the strength of their interest in the 22-year-old. After being sidelined for the best part of two months with a PCL strain, Madden is a ‘test’ to return to football this weekend.
Fellow Giants ruck Kieran Briggs has been linked loosely to Punt Road.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-latest-2026-update-on-darcy-wilson-out-of-contract-at-st-kilda-saints-nick-madden-links-to-richmond-tigers-offer-from-gws-giants-exclusive-latest-news/news-story/b8aa6233158e5b91224c556810645418
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Depends if Port can/choose to match. They stand to receive low compensation (not as bad as Buddy/Hawks).
And maybe what Butters insists his future club does for Port.
I wouldn't be trading them 3 1st round picks myself.
We won’t need 3 x first round picks
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
He is restricted FA meaning Port have the right to match any offer.
So it doesn't matter which team he picks there will be a trade.
Port have said they will match which is s,art on there part, they will get more via trade than via the AFL'S stupid mystery compo system
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
He is restricted FA meaning Port have the right to match any offer.
So it doesn't matter which team he picks there will be a trade.
Port have said they will match which is s,art on there part, they will get more via trade than via the AFL'S stupid mystery compo system
I believe, they have to match the structure of Richmonds offer.
It's highly unlikely they can afford to give him 3-4 million. Next season. As Richmond is rumored to be offering, front ended.
If they overcome that hill which is big they have to then be comfortable giving him 18 million dollars which is also unknown.
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Five trade targets for every AFL team: Richmond Tigers
Harrison McIlwaine
zerohanger.com
1 July 2026
There was a universally acknowledged grace period afforded Adem Yze when he took control of a footy club in free fall.
The Tigers had accepted their fate. The faithful were content - how could they not be after three flags in four years? But more than that, they understood some lean years were in front of them.
Richmond had embarked upon a period of transition. The head coach, the CEO and the overwhelming bulk of the playing list that had featured in such a fairytale period for the yellow and black were now just faces in framed photos that Yze infamously sought to pull from the walls early in his reign, that the club may point their focus forward.
That grace period is approaching its natural conclusion, and Yze's win-loss ledger needs semi-urgent squaring.
The club's draft focus was a necessary one, and its hauls, historic. As yet, glimpses are all fans have seen of the princes that were promised, as most of the clubs's cubs are perpetually hampered by injuries of varying significance.
The kids will be a large part of the pitch put to trade targets as the club get busy courting some of the league's brightest names, with the next phase of the rebuild on the horizon.
But just who are some of the names the Tigers have been tied to, and who are some realistic targets that will meaningfully lift this side's ceiling?
Take a look!
Zak Butters
Butters' signature is the the second biggest prize in football this season.
The inspirational Port Adelaide dynamo is handling his impending free agency with an admirable unflappability, consistently turning in exceptional performances while his name and speculation around his future lead panel shows and inform talkback radio segments.
Richmond's war chest has been made public in recent times, as has the initial, eye-watering offer the club put to the 25-year-old.
Security in the form of an eight-year term, a figure in the realm of $18 million and the promise of captaincy are all believed to be facets of the deal put to Butters' management by Blair Hartley and co.
There's no doubt Butters makes any side in the competition better, and he'd more than fill a need in Yze's structure. The Tigers are well placed to negotiate with Port Adelaide - something that will likely be necessary given the 'restricted' nature of his free agency - courtesy of their draft hand, spate of young talent and salary cap room. Can they edge out clubs currently in the window, however? Time will tell.
Nick Madden
Toby Nankervis has been a combative warrior for this Richmond side for almost a decade, and has three premiership medallions to show for it.
But the toll of the ruck role is starting to tell. Nankervis is a lot closer to the end of his career than the start, and the Tigers could do a lot worse than to put contingencies in place for life after their current skipper.
A 'Moneyball'-type acquisition could be GWS' emerging ruckman Nick Madden.
A Giants' academy graduate, the New South Welshman could be reluctant to leave the club, but Richmond have leverage in the form of their 'big four' status. Burgeoning MCG crowds, a larger profile, business opportunities and the like are part of the package with Victorian powerhouses such as the "Tigs", and something many have struggled to look past in recent times.
After just six outings at the top level in four years west of the Harbour City, a fresh start could appeal to Madden just as much as a Nankervis replacement appeals to Richmond.
Mitch Lewis
With the Hawthorn Hawks odds-on favourites to land the first domino in the key forward sweepstakes this off-season, in the form of Ben King, the Tigers will need to think laterally in finding an apt replacement for the ageing and waning Tom Lynch.
Mitch Lewis will likely be deemed surplus to requirements at Dingley if King indeed trades his cherry red Suns kit for the famed brown and gold stripes - he already finds himself fighting for position with the likes of Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol, and to a lesser extent, Calsher Dear in the Hawks' key forward room.
Dear, despite not seeing much game time this season, is more likely to renew his contract at Hawthorn than Lewis, given his father-son ties, younger age and significantly healthier injury history.
Lewis, at his best, is a presence not to be underestimated - a pack-crashing game-breaker who can clunk them and kick truly. He's what Lynch used to be, and the kind of player the Tigers are crying out for, forward of the ball. An unrestricted free agent at season's end, he'd cost the Tigers nothing in draft capital.
Darcy Wilson
Where there's smoke there's fire, and plenty of smoke surround St Kilda's young running machine, Darcy Wilson.
The Saints would understandably hate to lose their third-year wingman, but he's still yet to re-sign, and driving up his price tag almost weekly. Since his side's Round 5 rendezvous with Port Adelaide, the Murray Bushrangers product has dipped below 20 disposals just once, while notching eleven majors from those nine outings. It's telling form for a third-year player, especially one habitually deployed in a role not known for being one where players garner plenty of the pill, or regularly impact the scoreboard.
If the Tigers can convince the 20-year-old to depart Moorabbin for the hustle and bustle of their Yarra Park digs, and it remains a big if, the Tigers have plenty to offer a St Kilda outfit that would be eager to maximise whatever return they'd be forced into begrudgingly accepting, lest he leave for nothing.
Bailey Humphrey
He's probably more of a luxury than a piece pivotal to propelling a rebuild, but Bailey Humphrey is a player made for the big stage.
With his ability to impact in the centre square or forward line, and the budding tattoo collection, Humphrey has drawn obvious, albeit premature comparisons to Richmond's favourite son, in Dustin Martin.
Put this contracted Sun in front of big crowds and let him go to work. An instinctual footballer with the match-winning gene, Humphrey oozes the x-factor this side needs. The combination he could hypothetically form with Sam Lalor, who's shown significant promise himself, should send Tiger tails a-wagging.
Humphrey was pushed out of the on-ball brigade by Christian Petracca's arrival, and despite a contract tying him to the club until the end of 2028, has pined for the exits, with clubs in his native Victoria in the box seat to procure the wantaway talent.
The Suns would understandably want to maximise their return for the sixth pick of the 2022 National Draft, and few, if any, can match the haul at the Tigers' disposal.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/afl/five-trade-targets-for-every-afl-team-richmond-tigers/ar-AA26sUc8
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Speaking on AFL.com.au's trade and draft show Gettable this week, the Bulldogs' list boss Michael Regan said he was yet to get an indication as to whether the club was a realistic chance of landing Butters at season's end.
Bulldogs' bold play for Butters faces one big obstacle - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1550969
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
He is restricted FA meaning Port have the right to match any offer.
So it doesn't matter which team he picks there will be a trade.
Port have said they will match which is s,art on there part, they will get more via trade than via the AFL'S stupid mystery compo system
We will be selling the farm to get him pick 2 this year and our second rounder and most likely next year first rounder crazy. We aren't ready for that type of player need more youth coming in and the Houli and Grigg types.
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I think the timing could be right personally if these kids finally shake off their injuries and start showing that they can play 20 games per year.
As long as we drafted right and get their fitness sorted.
Other players on the list are taken straight off internet forums
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Madden re-signed with the giants.
https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2059121/big-man-big-future-madden-remains-a-giant
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Bugger.
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Could Zak Butters be on his way to Richmond?
Listen here: https://omny.fm/shows/sports-today-3aw/the-club-in-the-box-seat-to-make-the-best-offer-for-zak-butters
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HMNLcitbsAACKF9?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/3AWisfootball/status/2072583231187333578
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
He is restricted FA meaning Port have the right to match any offer.
So it doesn't matter which team he picks there will be a trade.
Port have said they will match which is s,art on there part, they will get more via trade than via the AFL'S stupid mystery compo system
We will be selling the farm to get him pick 2 this year and our second rounder and most likely next year first rounder crazy. We aren't ready for that type of player need more youth coming in and the Houli and Grigg types.
We’re not trading this years first :lol
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Either it's free agency for Butters or walk away I'll be livid if we trade.
He is restricted FA meaning Port have the right to match any offer.
So it doesn't matter which team he picks there will be a trade.
Port have said they will match which is s,art on there part, they will get more via trade than via the AFL'S stupid mystery compo system
We will be selling the farm to get him pick 2 this year and our second rounder and most likely next year first rounder crazy. We aren't ready for that type of player need more youth coming in and the Houli and Grigg types.
There are many players already in the in the under 21 and under 23 category on the list.
The rebuild isn't going to be identical to the 2017 flag list. Finding exactly another houli and grigg.
If you get a chance at a 26 year old. Top5 player in the league. Big call to say no.
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Madden re-signed with the giants.
https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2059121/big-man-big-future-madden-remains-a-giant
The move leaves Richmond scrambling for ruck depth, with Madden believed to have been priority 1A for recruiters at Punt Road, as they look to prepare for life after Toby Nankervis.
The man who competes against Madden for selection, in Kieren Briggs, shapes as a consolation prize for the Tigers, with the combative, physical ruckman in Nankervis' mold, and an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/mlb/tigers-lose-race-for-giants-young-ruckman/ar-AA2727W8
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WEST Coast is in discussions with free agent Bailey Williams on a long-term deal after the Eagles ruckman's form spike this year.
Williams started the season out of the Eagles' team but has enjoyed a strong run of form as the ruck rules changed to his favour.
It has seen interest in him in his home state of Victoria, including from the Western Bulldogs while Richmond is on the search for a ruckman, with the Eagles looking to sign him to a longer deal.
Talks have been around a deal of five to six years, with the Eagles looking to tie up a ruckman in a market that isn't flushed with options this year.
Williams is one of only four restricted free agents left in the pool this year.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1555769
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Elijah Hewett has signed a four-year contract extension at West Coast.
Eagles beat rival clubs to extend former first-round pick's contract - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1557333
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Butters looks like he has copped a bad ankle injury. Possibly a syndesmosis.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1558138/horror-scenes-as-power-superstar-suffers-sickening-ankle-injury
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Looked terrible in the footage.
Hope he's cherry ripe for our preseason at a reduced rate
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Super Saturday Live’s Jay Clark shared the latest on the situation, with Port Adelaide preparing for a “severe” outcome.
“It’s a potential high-grade syndesmosis injury for Zak Butters, which could mean surgery and (that) his last game for the club (has been played),” Clark said on Fox Footy.
“They have scans tomorrow to determine the severity - it doesn’t look good.
“That’s a suspected severe ankle injury at this stage.”
In mild cases, syndesmosis injuries - if that’s ultimately his diagnosis - typically require at least six weeks of recovery. In some cases, it’s months.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-zak-butters-ankle-injury-port-adelaide-vs-st-kilda-video-latest-news/news-story/dea194ad9fd865daa1878ad200dee52a
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We need to do anything to get Zak Butters to the club along with Ken Hinkley as coaching director.
6 Melbourne players had more possessions than any Richmond player today.
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We need to do anything to get Zak Butters to the club along with Ken Hinkley as coaching director.
6 Melbourne players had more possessions than any Richmond player today.
Great call.
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The Power says Zak Butters needs surgery on a high grade syndesmosis but is determined to make it back for round 24 in what would effectively be a farewell game. He will do everything to make it back. It's less likely given the recovery could be up to eight weeks but the Power won't rule it out. A minimum of four weeks on the sidelines @FOXFOOTY
- Jon Ralph
https://x.com/i/status/2076202957499232447
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Mark Stevens reckons Butters to the Bulldogs is almost a done deal.
https://x.com/i/status/2076446703956492613
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Mark Stevens reckons Butters to the Bulldogs is almost a done deal.
https://x.com/i/status/2076446703956492613
Who? Mark Stevens the Bulldogs supporter? :rollin
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Stevens on the money id say.
He would be stupid to come to RFC. We are 5 years from competing and it could be more if Yze keeps making stupid decisions.
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Bulldogs stuck in no mans land since their last granny - between 9th and 7th with this year no different.
That’s a pattern very unlikely to change.
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Bont going on 32
Darcy seems to get injured a lot
Naughton always hot or cold
At least with us you know we have a load of young talent and aren't avoiding quality draft options.
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Bont going on 32
Darcy seems to get injured a lot
Naughton always hot or cold
At least with us you know we have a load of young talent and aren't avoiding quality draft options.
So harsh on Naughton
He’s a gun Andyy
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So butters would make a massive difference to us but not to anyone else :lol
Point is they are closer to a flag than us right now. If he favors the chance for a flag in 5 years he chooses us. If I was a betting man I would put money on it that it won't be us and certainly not the way we are run at present.
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Little whisper that Bomber Jayden Nguyen wanting a move to Tigs?
https://x.com/i/status/2076843068695957885
177cm small forward.
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Small forward? I'd bloody hope not.
He's played 10 games for 0 goals.
Yes I know they're a poo club and they suck and I hope it stays that way forever, but I'd still want to see at least some results before we go pinch a bloke.
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Big whisper ; half of Essendon would like to be traded?
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Little whisper that Bomber Jayden Nguyen wanting a move to Tigs?
https://x.com/i/status/2076843068695957885
177cm small forward.
WTF is this club doing? We have a heap of small forwards, we do not need any more.
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Little whisper that Bomber Jayden Nguyen wanting a move to Tigs?
https://x.com/i/status/2076843068695957885
177cm small forward.
WTF is this club doing? We have a heap of small forwards, we do not need any more.
And he ain't that good
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I wouldn’t put much stock into a link posted by a random Twitter account.
Imo we may have plenty of small forwards but we could always use another quality option there which Nguyen is not.
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Twomey reckons it's still evens between us, the Dogs & the Cats for Butters.
We still have interest in Bailey Williams although Twomey thinks he'll remain the Eagles. Briggs is another ruck option.
https://x.com/i/status/2077199304150921582
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Twomey reckons it's still evens between us, the Dogs & the Cats for Butters.
We still have interest in Bailey Williams although Twomey thinks he'll remain the Eagles. Briggs is another ruck option.
https://x.com/i/status/2077199304150921582
Now that Butters is injured we will get him
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Just in time for an interrupted preseason and aiming for a return after 2027 bye, after which he'll develop a stress fracture :D
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I wouldn’t put much stock into a link posted by a random Twitter account.
Imo we may have plenty of small forwards but we could always use another quality option there which Nguyen is not.
For a guy that claims to be a passionate tiger fan for half a century.
Jayden Nguyen would be a pretty random thing to lie about.
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Zak Butters would do far more for Richmond than just what his stat-line suggests, says former Blues list boss Nick Austin.
“I think it’s a smart play for Richmond.” Trade Secrets with Nick Austin.
VIDEO: https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2077245375992262749
The main article is behind a paywall.
https://x.com/superfooty/status/2077226699855642760
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I'd be keen on Butters, but I always come back to a different idea: instead of paying him $2m/year, would we be better off with 2-3 players at 650k-1m/year? Surely taking Butters wouldn't put us at 100% of the cap, so we could look at guys like these.
Zac Bailey - reportedly being offered 1.2-1.5
Ben King - reportedly being offered 1.3+
Bailey Williams/Kieren Briggs
Surely you'd think a Briggs/Bailey combo would end up costing similar to Butters alone. Bailey has been playing more midfield lately and is a gun IMO.
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Little whisper that Bomber Jayden Nguyen wanting a move to Tigs?
https://x.com/i/status/2076843068695957885
177cm small forward.
WTF is this club doing? We have a heap of small forwards, we do not need any more.
Even if we get rid of a few like we should we will have more than enough.
Would have thought we make room for NEEDS not a type we have plenty of who has done little so far.
Mansell. Alger Peucker Hotton Campbell Green and Rioli even Clarke just not enough Small forwards we have to have more lol.
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What is the difference between 2016 and us bringing in Prestia, Nankervis and Caddy to this year.
Answer that and it will tell people the Answer as to why getting Butters is about 3 years too early.
If we have pick 2, 10 or 20 depending on where compo falls and 22 then build the list short comings with the best youth possible and address some of the other needs with mature upgrades for now. Do it while we can, Tassie is coming and they are going to bleed drafts dry.
Just how many more years will it take to get our current crop of kids to 60 - 80 100 games again.What part of that never ever seems to sink in for more than 5 minutes.
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What is the difference between 2016 and us bringing in Prestia, Nankervis and Caddy to this year.
Answer that and it will tell people the Answer as to why getting Butters is about 3 years too early.
If we have pick 2, 10 or 20 depending on where compo falls and 22 then build the list short comings with the best youth possible and address some of the other needs with mature upgrades for now. Do it while we can, Tassie is coming and they are going to bleed drafts dry.
Just how many more years will it take to get our current crop of kids to 60 - 80 100 games again.What part of that never ever seems to sink in for more than 5 minutes.
I have been saying this mate unless it's free agency forget about it or we're selling the farm to get him. We need to target the Houli, Grigg and Nank types that's our biggest issue now especially with retirements.
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Butters will be 28 years old in 3 years...
If we are to be successful again it's unlikely it'll be an exact replica of the last gf winning list build.
People need to move on.
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What is the difference between 2016 and us bringing in Prestia, Nankervis and Caddy to this year.
Answer that and it will tell people the Answer as to why getting Butters is about 3 years too early.
If we have pick 2, 10 or 20 depending on where compo falls and 22 then build the list short comings with the best youth possible and address some of the other needs with mature upgrades for now. Do it while we can, Tassie is coming and they are going to bleed drafts dry.
Just how many more years will it take to get our current crop of kids to 60 - 80 100 games again.What part of that never ever seems to sink in for more than 5 minutes.
I have been saying this mate unless it's free agency forget about it or we're selling the farm to get him. We need to target the Houli, Grigg and Nank types that's our biggest issue now especially with retirements.
Yep agree but the real point was just where the age and games demographic was at at the end of 2016 when we traded for Prestia Caddy and Nankervis.
Dusty Cotchin Edwards all at least 25 and well over 100 games we had two generational kpps in Riewoldt at one end and Rance the other smack bang in their prime and well over 100 games Vlastuin and Grimes both nearing 100 games Grimes would get there at age 25. Grigga and Houli both well over 100 games grigg was our oldest player in the g/f at 29. We will recruit Prestia and caddy both 24 and 95 games.
The obvious difference is our most talented players are all kids we are yet to emerge with the new dusty or cotch or Jack oe Edwards.
We really wont be a contender until we find and get around 15 players to 80 100 games. by bottoming out the only real way to get enough quality and quality depth is to plunder the ND for as long as it takes. Get those new dustys and Rances to 100 and then go get the new Prestia or in this discussion Butters lets not sell ourselves short and only do a partial rebuild and going after a marquee player too early..
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Finished 5th 4 years before that and should have best Carlton in the ef .
In 3 years butters will be the same age as taranto who is our best players by miles. And seems to have much footy left in him.
There is every chance we will have some more luck with our next version of tuck. Morris. Maric. King.
Wanting to copy the 17 flag to the letter with the houli. Grigg prestia. Template is close to unhinged.
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It’s not about copying the same template, it’s about recognising that our list is still nowhere near ready and still devoid of talent.
Giving up our first round picks for 2 years which will be top 3-5 just doesnt align with our current timeline.
I’m not really sure I want to be paying any single player 2.5mil a season but he is a brilliant player and if it’s as a FA I’d be on board. I would be very interested how that impacts future cap squeezes including renegotiating current players and luring players from other clubs.
I call a bit bs that port can match our offer (total salary and the front ended nature of it), because I really think he’d be staying there if they could, but in the off chance they can, then that would be where I would end the interest imo.
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That said , I'd go -
Banks. Miller. Brown.
Balta. Vlastuin. Trainor.
Grlj. McAuliffe. Hotton.
Taranto. Lynch. Campbell.
Lalor. Faull. Armstrong.
Nankervis. Smillie. Cumming.
Algar. Sims. Gibcus. Rioli. Hopper.
Retscheko. Trezise. Mansell.
:shh
Idk if it's 'devoid of talent' even if there is a long way to go.
Iirc Foley lost form and knights got hurt. Going to need some more our these types of roles players next incarnation
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It’s not about copying the same template, it’s about recognising that our list is still nowhere near ready and still devoid of talent.
Giving up our first round picks for 2 years which will be top 3-5 just doesnt align with our current timeline.
I’m not really sure I want to be paying any single player 2.5mil a season but he is a brilliant player and if it’s as a FA I’d be on board. I would be very interested how that impacts future cap squeezes including renegotiating current players and luring players from other clubs.
I call a bit bs that port can match our offer (total salary and the front ended nature of it), because I really think he’d be staying there if they could, but in the off chance they can, then that would be where I would end the interest imo.
Yep has nothing to do with copying 2017. Its about RECOGNISING where we were at in 2016 with nearly all of the quality we had in the 23 - 29 age range and with around 100 games. That seems to be the norm for success with most clubs.Its acknowledging what still needs to be done to get close. Nankervis Caddy and Prestia were mature recruits who filled the missing links.
Personally I don't think it will be all about money, where ever Butters goes he will be on big money. I think a big component of where he goes will be about success also. Will he be happy to wait another 4 or 5 seasons for a flag because even with good trades and f/a thats what the numbers and common sense are telling us and thatis being optimistic imo. We sure as hell will have our share of misses with some of our early picks i think that naive to think otherwise.
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2013 carlton finished 9th and won by 20 points. I dont see we were stiff to lose that game it was embarrasing to lose to the 9th placed side.
it showed us where we actually were. we had 12 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2014 were we unlucky when P/A wolloped us by 57 points it showed us for what we were a middling team. We had 13 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2015 again another e/f loss to NM by 17 points. It should have been a lot more. we were well beaten and again showed where we were a middling team. 10 players would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2016 came along and we got the wake up call we really needed.
It took another three years of building after playing Carlton in 2013.
It took Hardwick eight years 2010 - 2017 to go from where we are now to a flag and that was with his share of very good players there before he started.
Under Yze where are we at. as far experience and quality goes. With the vets slowly going we really can still ask, have we actually bottomed out yet?
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It's because you don't see much at the best of times. Tigers finished 5th with a good percentage. It's not light years away from winning the flag from third place.
Any team that finishes outside the finals and is allowed to play is going to have a very good free hit at it. Fresh mentally , ready and literally nothing to lose. I expect we would have done the drug cheats by ten goals.
That's an excellent spot to be in for week one of finals.
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I expect the conversation is ultimately fruitless cause butters to the dogs fits like a glove And apparently they also have money to burn.
However ablett. Judd. Neale. Danferfield. Ball etc. trades don't often turn out badly.
They bring everyone up a level.
Regardless of list build it's very hard to win a flag let alone make the last game.
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2013 carlton finished 9th and won by 20 points. I dont see we were stiff to lose that game it was embarrasing to lose to the 9th placed side.
it showed us where we actually were. we had 12 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2014 were we unlucky when P/A wolloped us by 57 points it showed us for what we were a middling team. We had 13 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2015 again another e/f loss to NM by 17 points. It should have been a lot more. we were well beaten and again showed where we were a middling team. 10 players would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2016 came along and we got the wake up call we really needed.
It took another three years of building after playing Carlton in 2013.
It took Hardwick eight years 2010 - 2017 to go from where we are now to a flag and that was with his share of very good players there before he started.
Under Yze where are we at. as far experience and quality goes. With the vets slowly going we really can still ask, have we actually bottomed out yet?
Both 2013 and 2015 EF’s we were in positions to win the game in the second half and folded under pressure from opposition.
Above the shoulders, nothing to do with talent.
I went to both games and felt like we could have won both games.
Our list management until this point has been okay with a couple of howlers pushed to one side - the main one being the lack of a ruck option post rule change and the obvious miss of Nank being injured. Seems we don’t rate that position as a list management and coaching panel which is weird.
We desperately now need to get mature bodies as we start to lose Lynch, Prestia, Broad etc so off season will be an interesting watch
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Trade talk: How Tigers could come “right into play” for Butters
By SEN
17 July 2026
The Zak Butters free agency decision is set to be a fascinating watch this off-season.
After the Port Adelaide superstar injured his ankle last weekend against St Kilda, he may have played his last game in teal and black, as most expect him to now return to his home state of Victoria this October.
While a raft of Victorian clubs have thrown their hat in the ring to recruit the 25-year-old, the Western Bulldogs and Geelong have emerged as favourites for the boy from Darley.
Another club that’s lurking is Richmond, who can offer the midfielder the best financial terms, although being at the bottom of a full rebuild would be a hard sell to any free agent.
Even if the Dogs or Cats loom as ideal destinations, the Tigers may be the only club in the race that could realistically satisfy the Power in a trade, with Port almost certain to match any bid on the restricted free agent.
With that in mind, SEN Breakfast’s Tom Morris and Sam Edmund discussed the machinations behind a potential deal, with Morris believing that the Tigers are right in the hunt should things go pear-shaped for the other contenders to end 2026.
Edmund: “The Zak Butters thing, isn't that fascinating?
“If it is the Dogs or Geelong, it doesn't really matter. What on earth are they going to give to satisfy Port? There’s nothing.
“There’s only one club that can satisfy Port Adelaide, and it's Richmond.”
Morris: “That's right, and Zak Butters would be aware of all that.
“But the Dogs would say, and so would Geelong, that Zak Butters is out of contract, so Port Adelaide don't have the whip hand.”
Edmund: “Port Adelaide don't have the whip hand, but they can match the deal.”
Morris: “They can match, and then it forces a trade. Then what do we do? The pre-season draft will be the threat. This is the game and the dance that the clubs play.”
Edmund: “But hey, a deal would get done, wouldn't it? A deal would get done.
“Let's workshop this then. If it is the Western Bulldogs, they'll have a decent first-round pick, but it'll only be one pick at this stage. That's why I think the Tim English stuff becomes an interesting conversation too.
“I think there's something there with Tim English, but gee, the Dogs can't be trading him without anything coming back the other way.
“Then the Zak Butters situation is difficult for Port Adelaide. How in any way can they be satisfied in a trade if he nominates the Western Bulldogs or Geelong?”
Morris: “Do you think Butters would want Port Adelaide to be compensated for his exit?”
Edmund: “I think so, but if it prevents him from getting to where he wants to go, surely that faith would only go so far, wouldn't it? I don't know, because I don't know Zak Butters, and he's never going to tell us anyway, is he?”
Morris: “I think if the Dogs and the Cats finish the season poorly and don't look like they're going to win a flag anytime soon, the Tigers come right into play more than they otherwise would.
“He wants to be successful, but if success isn't going to come at Geelong or the Dogs and it's obvious at the end of the year… that’s when the money that the Tigers are offering (comes in).”
Edmund: “But you’ve got to be an absolute visionary if you're seeing success at Richmond in the short term.”
Morris: “Yeah, but he helps them have success himself.”
Edmund: “He's only one guy. They're going to lose star players along the way. They’re going to lose senior players in the not-too-distant future, the Toby Nankervis of the world, so I don’t know.”
Morris: “All I know is Richmond is actually in it. They're in the hunt.”
As things stand, Geelong and the Bulldogs sit seventh and eighth respectively on the ladder, although the Dogs have one game in hand.
Richmond is currently 17th with just two wins and a league-worst percentage of 63.0.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/07/17/afl-2026-trade-talk-zak-butters-free-agency-decision-richmond-western-bulldogs-geelong
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Is there a way Richmond end up favourites to land Zak Butters this off-season?
#AFL | @SENBreakfast
Video: https://x.com/i/status/2077970296825430136
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2013 carlton finished 9th and won by 20 points. I dont see we were stiff to lose that game it was embarrasing to lose to the 9th placed side.
it showed us where we actually were. we had 12 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2014 were we unlucky when P/A wolloped us by 57 points it showed us for what we were a middling team. We had 13 players who would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2015 again another e/f loss to NM by 17 points. It should have been a lot more. we were well beaten and again showed where we were a middling team. 10 players would not feature in the 2017 flag.
2016 came along and we got the wake up call we really needed.
It took another three years of building after playing Carlton in 2013.
It took Hardwick eight years 2010 - 2017 to go from where we are now to a flag and that was with his share of very good players there before he started.
Under Yze where are we at. as far experience and quality goes. With the vets slowly going we really can still ask, have we actually bottomed out yet?
Both 2013 and 2015 EF’s we were in positions to win the game in the second half and folded under pressure from opposition.
Above the shoulders, nothing to do with talent.
I went to both games and felt like we could have won both games.
Our list management until this point has been okay with a couple of howlers pushed to one side - the main one being the lack of a ruck option post rule change and the obvious miss of Nank being injured. Seems we don’t rate that position as a list management and coaching panel which is weird.
We desperately now need to get mature bodies as we start to lose Lynch, Prestia, Broad etc so off season will be an interesting watch
I would have be nice.
To have found a Max Heath type.
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Worm can turn pretty fast with a butters. Pick 1. And a couple more talented kids :shh
Might be coming up Milhouse
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Can you get Butters whilst keeping 1? If it's a trade maybe swap pick 1 for ports around pick 5. They get the best kid then Cochrane. Then add other picks/players
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Can you get Butters whilst keeping 1? If it's a trade maybe swap pick 1 for ports around pick 5. They get the best kid then Cochrane. Then add other picks/players
If port cannot legally match*, inside the salary cap I think yes
Money per season *
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Ok looking more into it apparently port can give butter 4 million next season and smooth it over the 8 years.
In terms of the salary cap.
When they get AFL General Counsel approval. What a load of bollocks
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why aren't we looking into Mitch Lewis? We should be giving him an offer he cant refuse.
Then again we are going great at the moment so lets go into next year with a bunch of injury riddled kids again.
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why aren't we looking into Mitch Lewis? We should be giving him an offer he cant refuse.
Then again we are going great at the moment so lets go into next year with a bunch of injury riddled kids again.
And if he gets injured next season, we can all get the pitch forks out and blame the footy department for recruiting another extremely injury prone player.
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Incorrect. We should dump hopper and use some of that money for him.
We didn't need to take risks back then but we do now.
Unless of course you think Lefau is our guy. Our list is terrible and we are close to being the new north
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Money isn’t an issue as you can see from the ludicrous sum we are offering butters. Also hopper isn’t even getting paid that much. It’s a trade that has backfired for sure but not for monetary reasons.
Mitch Lewis has played 29 games over the past 3 seasons. That is the exact same amount as Lynch has managed over that period.
I was all for giving lynch another contract but he looks done and I’m starting to think he knows it too otherwise I would have thought he’d have signed on already. So yes, I agree we need another experienced forward to lead the line until the likes of Faull/armstrong/sims come on, I just disagree it should be Lewis and 5 goals against our pathetic defence doesnt change that.
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why aren't we looking into Mitch Lewis? We should be giving him an offer he cant refuse.
Then again we are going great at the moment so lets go into next year with a bunch of injury riddled kids again.
They saying king to hawthorn is done
You'd want to have a look at lewis or Calsher Dear
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Retire Lynch.
Lefau to the magoos.
Anyone else, ie Lewis, can be our mature body while we wait for Fawcett, Faull, Armstrong and Sims to grow up.
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Before a toothless Richmond was belted at the MCG, Tigers boss Shane Dunne blasted the club’s reported offer for Zak Butters as ‘wildly inaccurate’.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HNlKQbBaoAAFqMh?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/codeaflau/status/2078774354222125269
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Richmond remains desperate to land Zak Butters in blockbuster trade
Richmond might not be able to land Zak Butters for free through the draft – but armed with millions of dollars and a crucial trade asset, the Tigers are still right in the four-club race.
Jay Clark
Chief football writer
HeraldSun
July 21, 2026
Richmond has no hope of securing Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters for free in the draft but remains desperate to land the gun onballer as part of a blockbuster trade to supercharge its rebuild.
The Tigers are eager to secure the brilliant onballer and have the best financial offer on the table by some margin, along with the number one draft pick to satisfy Port Adelaide in a trade.
Richmond’s long-term deal would be heavily front-ended with the first year worth as much as $3 million.
However, Butters has made it clear the draft option is a no-go zone as he is adamant Port Adelaide must be appropriately compensated if, as expected, he departs at season’s end.
Richmond holds the first pick in the draft after another heavy defeat on Sunday and faces a crucial off-season trying to bolster its team with mature talent and overcome its injury woes.
Butters, 25, was told it is possible to make a comeback this season after ankle surgery and is aggressively targeting a miraculous return as part of a potential emotional farewell.
The four-club race for his signature is set to significantly ramp up in the next few weeks as rivals Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Richmond and outsider Collingwood finalise their offers.
The Bulldogs are widely believed to be the frontrunner because of the appeal of joining forces with superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli and Sam Darcy at the Kennel next season.
The Dogs currently hold pick 12 (which will slide) and are set to offer as many as three first-round draft choices and a deal in excess of $1.5 million a season to secure him.
Collingwood is at longer odds, but has indicated it has the capacity to bring in Neale and Butters to partner with superstar ballwinner Nick Daicos in the engine room.
Neale, 33, is considered a lock to land at Collingwood but won’t finalise an agreement until season’s end as the dual Brownlow medallist aims to win a third-straight premiership with the Lions.
Nick Austin says Zak Butters potential impact at Richmond would go beyond just kicks and handballs.
Hawthorn spearhead Mitch Lewis could be taken off the table if the Hawks, as expected, improve their offer to keep the goal kicker after bagging five majors against the Tigers on Sunday.
Lewis, 27, has said he is keen to stay in brown and gold if his deal suits, possibly in partnership with Ben King. The Gold Coast Suns’ spearhead is eyeing a move to Dingley after another frustrating year up north.
Butters has not yet informed Port Adelaide he is leaving and has told friends he remains genuinely torn on a move.
But any departure will hinge on securing vital compensation for Port after eight years at the club including arguably his best-ever season in black and teal this year.
Essendon’s shock win over GWS Giants handed the top draft pick to the Tigers, conceivably giving Adem Yze’s men the upper hand in a Butters deal if trade talks broke down.
However, clubs have been told the superstar playmaker will not pursue a move through the draft as that would leave Port Adelaide empty-handed for the loss of its best player.
Clubs believe a package of three first-round picks, or about 3000 draft points (the equivalent of pick one) would satisfy Port.
It would arm the Power with the required points to land potential number one draft pick Dougie Cochrane, while another stand out father-son, Louis Salopek, is in the 2027 crop.
Butters has averaged 30 disposals a game and tops Port for average contested possessions (12.2), ground balls (7.8), score involvements (7.1) and clearances (6.1) this season.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/richmond-remains-desperate-to-land-zak-butters-in-blockbuster-trade/news-story/ca865c53440670f94059db17d83a6a42#selection-775.0-1054.0
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West Coast free agent Bailey Williams has signed a new six-year deal with the Eagles through to the end of 2032.
Tenure was important for the Eagles ruckman in the deal as Dogs and Tigers showed interest.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2079467625663598714
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Tiger71 on Tigercast tonight:
* We're looking to do a deal with Freo for ruckman Sean Darcy where Freo do a salary cap dump and we get their first round pick. Similar to the Bowes trade Geelong did with Gold Coast.
* We would then promise Port not to bid on Cochrane at pick 1 and offer them Freo's first rounder we get from the above Darcy trade as well as our future first for Butters. That way we keep pick 1.
* In the above scenario, we would bid on Walker at pick 1 so we still get the end of first round compo pick.
* The idea of getting Darcy is to give us a mature ruck to allow HVH (pick 1) time to develop without throwing him to the wolves.
* We will trade someone out next year to bring in an A-grader. He didn't mention any names but also said in another part of the video that he is worried about Mansell (going to Tassie).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_u0OVFaMo
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Twomey's latest.
Mansell - "I think he is one of two players I said last week might already be locked in at the Devils."
Lalor - "I don't there's too much concern at the Tigers about him moving."
https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2079539198793789948
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Tiger71 on Tigercast tonight:
* We're looking to do a deal with Freo for ruckman Sean Darcy where Freo do a salary cap dump and we get their first round pick. Similar to the Bowes trade Geelong did with Gold Coast.
* We would then promise Port not to bid on Cochrane at pick 1 and offer them Freo's first rounder we get from the above Darcy trade as well as our future first for Butters. That way we keep pick 1.
* In the above scenario, we would bid on Walker at pick 1 so we still get the end of first round compo pick.
* The idea of getting Darcy is to give us a mature ruck to allow HVH (pick 1) time to develop without throwing him to the wolves.
* We will trade someone out next year to bring in an A-grader. He didn't mention any names but also said in another part of the video that he is worried about Mansell (going to Tassie).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_u0OVFaMo
:clapping
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28 year old injury prone Sean Darcy, who still has 4 years to run at approx 1mil per year. Not to mention he had a very similar unathletic game style to nank.
That just isn’t worth it for an end of first round pick.
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28 year old injury prone Sean Darcy, who still has 4 years to run at approx 1mil per year. Not to mention he had a very similar unathletic game style to nank.
That just isn’t worth it for an end of first round pick.
Why?
It’s perfect
The 1ml doesn’t hurt one iota with our current list demographic
Picking up a 1st round pick would be fantastic
We aren’t contending in the next 4 years .. If this is an option it seems like a no brainer
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28 year old injury prone Sean Darcy, who still has 4 years to run at approx 1mil per year. Not to mention he had a very similar unathletic game style to nank.
That just isn’t worth it for an end of first round pick.
Why?
It’s perfect
The 1ml doesn’t hurt one iota with our current list demographic
Picking up a 1st round pick would be fantastic
We aren’t contending in the next 4 years .. If this is an option it seems like a no brainer
1. I just don’t believe port can match what we are reportedly offering.
2. If they are able to match I wouldn’t think 1 of end first round pick and 1 future first which is pushed back by Tassie priority picks would satisfy them.
3. If that is the deal then I would happily make that for Butters, but I would just give them our compo pick instead of taking on that contract for an injury prone immobile ruck who similarly to nank seems like the game has gone past (Mason cox is keeping him out of the side for goodness sakes).
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The Freo/Darcy plan isn't a bad plan at all, but I'd be surprised it Freo's 2026 1st rounder (likely to be near 20) and our 2027 1st (compromised) is enough for Port TBH. Depends on what gymnastics they'd have to do on Cochrane if we bid I guess.
For the kind of money it will take to bring in Darcy I would want a better pick unless Port in on board. Geelong got P7 for Bowes on about 500k a few years ago. P20 for 1m/year isn't good enough unless it's all going to smooth over with Port and Butters.
So it would be something like:
Out
2027 1st
In
Darcy
Butters
Draft before slides
P1
P19
P20
F/S + NGA options Daffy, Leys, Armstrong
Not a bad plan
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I also don’t think that would be enough for port although I’m still adamant they can’t match the offer we make but anyway.
I know we have cap space for days, it just seems like the game has mostly gone past Darcy like it has for nank and other unathletic rucks. To be tied to him at 1mil a year for 4 years, just to retain our compo pick doesn’t seem worth it to me.
As in, instead of freos pick 18, why not just give up our 19? Yes, we have 1 less end of 1st round / start of 2nd round, but you avoid Darcy on the list.
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All has to wrap up together TK.
We'll be buying a 1st rounder + ruck depth and then there's the promise not to bid on Cochrane. So Port gets a top 10 pick in both 26+27 and they don't sacrifice them bidding on Cochrane. We get Butters, Darcy in exchange for a F1st essentially?
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Regardless of Butters
The Darcy and a first rounder
Just for taking on his contract
No brainer
Gives us the chance to draft another high end kid , perfect
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Tiger71 on Tigercast tonight:
* We're looking to do a deal with Freo for ruckman Sean Darcy where Freo do a salary cap dump and we get their first round pick. Similar to the Bowes trade Geelong did with Gold Coast.
* We would then promise Port not to bid on Cochrane at pick 1 and offer them Freo's first rounder we get from the above Darcy trade as well as our future first for Butters. That way we keep pick 1.
* In the above scenario, we would bid on Walker at pick 1 so we still get the end of first round compo pick.
* The idea of getting Darcy is to give us a mature ruck to allow HVH (pick 1) time to develop without throwing him to the wolves.
* We will trade someone out next year to bring in an A-grader. He didn't mention any names but also said in another part of the video that he is worried about Mansell (going to Tassie).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_u0OVFaMo
Are Essendon at pick 2 not going to bid on Cochrane?
I still think Butters will go to a club that offers a crack at a flag. Who ever gets Butters will pay a pretty packet of money regardless. He will be well compensated no matter what.
Its very short sighted if people think its all about the money for Butters. He wants success now most likely and id say he has just as much chance of it at P/A as he currently does with us.
Our youth is too far away and Largely unproven
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Carlton has put a five-year offer on the table for Sydney free agent Joel Amartey, who also has a five-year deal waiting from the Swans.
- Callum Twomey
https://x.com/i/status/2079733524517753135
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In any deal for Butters (who I don't think will select us) we could swap our first round picks so they get pick 1, we get there pick 5 or whatever it is. They get the best open pool player plus Cochrane.
Then offer other picks TBC
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Regardless of Butters
The Darcy and a first rounder
Just for taking on his contract
No brainer
Gives us the chance to draft another high end kid , perfect
Like that but he’s slower than Sammy Ryan
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Regardless of Butters
The Darcy and a first rounder
Just for taking on his contract
No brainer
Gives us the chance to draft another high end kid , perfect
Like that but he’s slower than Sammy Ryan
Doesn’t matter if he never plays a game
It’s a list spot at 1ml a year, which we can easily absorb
Gaining a first round pick would be absolutely sensational
If he played, it’s a bonus , but really is irrelevant
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Regardless of Butters
The Darcy and a first rounder
Just for taking on his contract
No brainer
Gives us the chance to draft another high end kid , perfect
Like that but he’s slower than Sammy Ryan
Doesn’t matter if he never plays a game
It’s a list spot at 1ml a year, which we can easily absorb
Gaining a first round pick would be absolutely sensational
If he played, it’s a bonus , but really is irrelevant
:clapping
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Regardless of Butters
The Darcy and a first rounder
Just for taking on his contract
No brainer
Gives us the chance to draft another high end kid , perfect
Like that but he’s slower than Sammy Ryan
Doesn’t matter if he never plays a game
It’s a list spot at 1ml a year, which we can easily absorb
Gaining a first round pick would be absolutely sensational
If he played, it’s a bonus , but really is irrelevant
Agreed I am just greedy.
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In any deal for Butters (who I don't think will select us) we could swap our first round picks so they get pick 1, we get there pick 5 or whatever it is. They get the best open pool player plus Cochrane.
Then offer other picks TBC
If they give up their first rounder they won’t have the points to match a Cochrane bid. Even if we promise not to bid at #1, bombers will do it at #2.
You can only use 2 picks now to match, so unless they trade in more picks, their 2nd and 3rd rounder won’t suffice.
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"Tigers have [Giants' Kieren Briggs] high on their whiteboard to partner Nankervis next year at Punt Rd"
- Mitch Cleary
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2079879380436939008
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Sheesh i hope this is not true. They are clones and we know the rules and all that sort of thing has made Nankervis almost obsolete.
Gws supporters are thinking exactly the same thing we are about Nankervis.
He is slow cant jump takes less marks than nank and is not as good as Nank when the ball hits the ground.
Geez i really hope this is not happening GWS will be rubbing their hands with glee.
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Just throwing out there.... does anyone think Nank may give it away?
Because he was to do that then the Darcy or Brighs scenarios make a helluva lot of sense
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Nank contracted and I don't see him retiring early
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Nank contracted and I don't see him retiring early
At a minimum he must give up the captaincy
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Suspect he will, WP.
Has to be Taranto until our next one is grown up, surely.
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Could he be thinking of role with the Tassie team, would make sense .
Swanns rules have made his type of Ruckman almost obsolete as a pure ruck , he still is handy in close as he is competitive .
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Surely we put a very appealing deal to Calsher Dear
Make him an offer he can't refuse
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Surely we put a very appealing deal to Calsher Dear
Make him an offer he can't refuse
Dear.
Sims.
Armstrong.
Faull.
Wouldn't be very balanced but very good potentially.
Would have to push for it after lewis re-signing imho
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Surely we put a very appealing deal to Calsher Dear
Make him an offer he can't refuse
Nice thought pm, but tbbh I don’t see a line of players gagging to come to RFC atm.
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Surely we put a very appealing deal to Calsher Dear
Make him an offer he can't refuse
Nice thought pm, but tbbh I don’t see a line of players gagging to come to RFC atm.
How many have come since Ooze arrived?
Meanwhile, we have oozed players exiting….
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‘Fair way behind’: Tigers great questions club’s Butters chase as superstar free agent torn on call
Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
July 26th, 2026
Richmond great Jack Riewoldt thinks his former club “would have to be a fair way behind” in the Zak Butters race after a horror stretch as the superstar free agent mulls over a “lineball call” on his future.
The 18th-placed Tigers fell to the Western Bulldogs 57 points on Saturday night as two of the clubs, along with Geelong and Collingwood, in the Butters sweepstakes.
The loss saw Richmond coach Adem Yze’s record fall to 9-56 — the worst record of any coach after 65 game — while the rebuilding Tigers grapple with a brutal injury toll.
While the Bulldogs are thought to be the frontrunners for Butters, reports state Richmond has the biggest offer on the table in a mammoth deal that could be worth as a much as $18 million over eight years.
However, it’s understood the main priority for Butters, 25, aside from wanting to return his home state of Victoria, is to chase success.
With that in mind, Riewoldt suggested the Tigers, even with a young list that has plenty of talent, would have to be last in line of the suitors.
“If Zak Butters is looking to win a premiership, you’d think Richmond would have to be a fair way behind,” Riewoldt said on Fox Footy.
“Certainly the other three teams you flagged in that premiership cycle.
“They’re still a long away from contending.”
Meanwhile, Kangaroos legend David King questioned how much the coaches in charge of each contender could impact Butters’ decision.
Luke Beveridge’s deal runs until the end of 2027, while Yze is contracted through 2028.
“Specifically to Richmond. Do you think the fact Adem Yze is doing what he’s doing with this team and it hasn’t been revolutionary by any stretch?,” King posed.
“Do you think that would impact his decision enough to step away from the finances on offer?”
Butters, originally from Melbourne’s western suburbs, is believed to have good relationships at the Dogs including developing a bond with skipper Marcus Bontempelli during State of Origin.
The Cats might have the full package given they’re also located out west and are “so stable” with the “culture and never-ending premiership window,” as put by chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark.
And you still can’t rule out the Nick Daicios-led Magpies as the most recent of these clubs to win silverware and after an impressive surge from Craig McRae’s side with six-straight wins.
It’s understood Butters, who’s racing the clock to get back this season with a syndesmosis injury, will ultimately pick the club he thinks has the best chance at winning a flag.
“The Bulldogs on the absolute starting line. Richmond has more money on offer at the moment, and he’ll be looking at these results,”, Clark said on Fox Footy.
“He’ll be trying to project forward to see which of these clubs is closer to a premiership.
“I think the number one factor for Zak Butters will be where he can have team success and which trajectory he likes the most.
“He’s going to be well paid wherever he goes. The culture of the club will have to appeal, the people running the club will have to appeal, and he’ll want stability, clearly.
“I think Bevo’s in the last year of his contract next year. So, it’s a big year for a lot of these clubs.
“I think this is as tight, as lineball free agency call as we’ve seen in some time. It’s a big decision for Zak Butters in what would be a an eight to nine-year contract call.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-zak-butters-trade-news-rumours-whispers-free-agency-call-jack-riewoldt-says-richmond-a-fair-way-behind-western-bulldogs-geelong-collingwood/news-story/c6496b2c7e119138a915928dac09a31a
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Thanks for that Jack
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"I think Richmond will win (the race for Zak Butters)... It's an unbelieveable amount of money."
- Hutchy's tip for the future of Zak Butters
https://x.com/i/status/2081783207973040475
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Trade talk: The club tipped to win Butters race
By SEN
28 July 2026
Richmond will win the race for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
That is the opinion of Craig Hutchison who reckons the reported money on offer from the Tigers will be too good to refuse.
Back in April, Hutchy put forward a hypothetical $18 million pitch for the Power gun which would be front-ended and see him earn $4.5m in his first year, $2.3m in year two and $2m in year three.
An offer of $18m over eight years was then reported by AFL Media's Cal Twomey in June.
Now in late July, Hutchy believes this cash will get Butters over the line at Tigerland ahead of the likes of Western Bulldogs and Geelong.
“A prediction - my money has been on from the word go,” Hutchison said on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters.
“When it all gets married up, I think the overwhelming amount of money will be too good to say no to.
“Richmond will win.”
He added: “They’ve put all the money at the front. It’s an unbelievable amount of money.
“I think - opinion - he doesn’t know yet. He’ll end up choosing Richmond.
“That’s my view.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/07/27/afl-trade-news-richmond-to-win-zak-butters-race-18m-offer
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what are the reported figures from dogs and also cats?
I have hardly read anything from those 2 in terms of cash.
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FJ I think WB have offered 14-16m over 8 years
Cats I haven't heard, but it's the usual bs > lifestyle, we're always competing, come sniff dangerdive's undies, we'll get you another gig with a huge under the table payment etc
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What most people don’t seem take into account is that by matching a bid, a trade will be forced by PA. No other team can match our draft capital. We are front runners on two fronts.
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What most people don’t seem take into account is that by matching a bid, a trade will be forced by PA. No other team can match our draft capital. We are front runners on two fronts.
I have been saying it since last year.
If he leaves and we want him, we are hard to beat on both fronts which I thought he might actually stay.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube channel tonight:
* Repeated the Sean Darcy stuff. Similar to the Geelong deal with Gold Coast. We're going to absorb Darcy's contract $800k p.a. over 4-5 years. Freo give us Darcy and their first rounder. We give them a 2nd or 3rd round pick plus a swap of later picks.
* 95-98% confident Butters will come to Richmond. If Butters doesn't nominate the Dogs by next week then he isn't going there. He is giving us and Port time to organise a deal. 60-70% of his contract will be front loaded in the first two years. Cubs will re-sign on two-year deals during that period and then the money will be available to them going forward. Lalor not going anywhere.
* We won't bid on Cochrane at pick 1. That will mean for Port, Cochrane will be cheaper than if we bid on him at pick 1. They will retain their bonus pick, the first rounder we get from Freo, our future first, plus a swap of second and third rounders.
To match pick 1 they need 2700 points or picks 5 & 22.
To match pick 2 they need 2265 points or picks 5 & 42.
Us having pick 1 makes a huge difference trade wise.
* Not hearing about us and Briggs.
* We're planning to bring in a forward during next year's trade period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wbqqmchOL4
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Callum Twomey's on Butters. Second half of video.
Said Butters is still deciding between us, Dogs & Cats.
Dogs are club all in. Obsessed. How they get a deal done is the issue.
We have the huge offer.
Cats offer is restricted given their player contract structures.
Not the Pies.
https://x.com/i/status/2082069859920429300
ps. Eddie sooked about why Butters won't choose the Pies. "Oh he can play in front of big crowds at the MCG" ::) He'll be doing that if he chooses us Eddie.
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"I think he is genuinely torn between the four clubs." - us, Dogs, Cats, Pies.
Sammy Edmund provided an update on the future of Zak Butters.
SEN SA
https://x.com/i/status/2082012626297692538
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So in this grand plan that tiger71 claims to have the inside goss on, it seems like it would fall down if we don’t have pick 1. So how have these discussions taken place when up until 2 weeks ago we didn’t have said pick and it didn’t look like Essendon were going to win another game? Also what happens if we beat the eagles this week?
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Hence we won't win a game for the rest of the year you'd think
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Hence we won't win a game for the rest of the year you'd think
Yeah but what about if the bombers didn’t win 2 weeks ago? I know it’s moot now assuming we don’t win another game, but I just struggle to believe that this plan was concocted so quickly after the bombers won, like what were the discussions before that?
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Suspect:
- we had the offer on the table
- had multiple strategies for how this could go ahead, including if we finished 18th or 17th etc
- discussed with PA since Dons 3rd win
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"I think this just highlights that Zak Butters is still in his decision-making process."
- Mitch Cleary on Geelong planning to have a "formal meeting" with Zak Butters
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2082421131047252050
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The creative way Tigers could land Butters
Riley Beveridge's trade:
- Contingent on Butters choosing Richmond.
- Tigers tell Port not to match so Port get a first round compo pick (pick 5).
- Richmond trades for a secondary Port player Miles Bergman and gives Port pick 1 plus a future first.
- Gives Port picks 1, 4, 5 plus Tigers F1. The future pick helps Port next year with F/S Salopek.
- Richmond gets two quality players for that bounty of picks rather than just one.
AUDIO: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1571929
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The creative way Tigers could land Butters
Riley Beveridge's trade:
- Contingent on Butters choosing Richmond.
- Tigers tell Port not to match so Port get a first round compo pick (pick 5).
- Richmond trades for a secondary Port player Miles Bergman and gives Port pick 1 plus a future first.
- Gives Port picks 1, 4, 5 plus Tigers F1. The future pick helps Port next year with F/S Salopek.
- Richmond gets two quality players for that bounty of picks rather than just one.
AUDIO: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1571929
Daryl Kerrigan time
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The creative way Tigers could land Butters
Riley Beveridge's trade:
- Contingent on Butters choosing Richmond.
- Tigers tell Port not to match so Port get a first round compo pick (pick 5).
- Richmond trades for a secondary Port player Miles Bergman and gives Port pick 1 plus a future first.
- Gives Port picks 1, 4, 5 plus Tigers F1. The future pick helps Port next year with F/S Salopek.
- Richmond gets two quality players for that bounty of picks rather than just one.
AUDIO: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1571929
Daryl Kerrigan time
:cheers
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Callum Twomey discussing Hawk Calsher Dear.
"Gold Coast, Carlton, Melbourne, Essendon, Richmond, ... He's not going to be short of takers".
https://x.com/i/status/2082383126018310300
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Wrong strategy for me with Butters. Either free agency or we walk. Clear as daylight this season it is , we still need to draft top talent in to continue the rebuild not giving up the farm with the top draft hand we will have. Huge mistake if we do it especially this really is the last crack getting top talent in before Tassie enters
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Wrong strategy for me with Butters. Either free agency or we walk. Clear as daylight this season it is , we still need to draft top talent in to continue the rebuild not giving up the farm with the top draft hand we will have. Huge mistake if we do it especially this really is the last crack getting top talent in before Tassie enters
I agree. Just have to see how to plays out now.
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Stuffing hell that trade is utterly insane, 4 first rounders including likely to be all top 5-10 picks.
How about:
- Take your FA compo
- We agree not to bid on Cochrane so you get him cheaper
- 2027 1st rounder compromised by Tas
- possibly Freo 1st rounder/FA compo for bid on Walker/2nd rounder
Otherwise I think we should just trade in Darcy as ruck depth + salary dump, take Freo's 1st rounder, bid on both Cochrane and Walker to get a draft compo, and just hit the draft again with 1 + 19-20 before slides.
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If Butters found his way to Richmond - and it's a very big if _ in a trade the Power would likely get the No.1 overall pick on current ladder position. They could bid on Cody Walker first, get a start of second-round pick as compo, take a player not named Dougie Cochrane with pick two then when someone did match a Cochrane bid they would have that extra pick as part of their arsenal to match on Cochrane. Nick Austin steps us through how it could work
- Jon Ralph
https://x.com/i/status/2082608808921346320
Port would not get the end of first round compo pick for bidding on Walker in this scenario as pick 1 would not be their natural pick.
Plus us trading out pick 1 would see us lose our chance of bidding and getting said compo pick.
Further evidence the media just makes stuff up.
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Zak Butters met with a number of suitors at the mid-season break but is yet to formally sit down with Geelong.
A meeting remains on the cards.
The Cats like to roll out their stars at these meetings… and one of them right now is recovering from ankle surgery.
- Mitch Cleary
https://x.com/i/status/2082631062187110656
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I’m guessing it won’t be Tyson Stengle
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OE I thought the bid compo was end of round, no ladder position
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Brisbane Lion’s mate says we are into a mature tall forward of theirs in the VFL squad who is tracking well but can’t break into the ones bc of Morris, Gallup & Co. Mmm, Tom L only has a year left imo maybe this is a ready replacement while Jonty and Harry progress.
https://x.com/tiger_hype/status/2083418447447556118
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The ‘easiest way’ for Zak Butters to return to Victoria is Richmond
Draft and trade expert Cal Twomey has revealed the “easiest way” for the superstar to make the move back home.
https://www.3aw.com.au/the-easiest-way-for-zak-butters-to-return-to-victoria/
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Why Richmond offer the best, win-win-win deal for Butters and Port Adelaide
Jake Niall
The Age
August 2, 2026
The Victorian clubs’ pursuit of Zak Butters may resemble The Bachelor or Farmer Wants a Wife, in terms of how the clubs are throwing themselves at the Power gun.
In reality – as opposed to reality TV – the bidding for Butters is more like a tendering process, in which companies are trying to secure a coveted client.
The bidding for Butters is redolent of 19 years ago, when Chris Judd’s services were out to tender, and, as with Butters, the field quickly narrowed to four Victorian suitors.
One difference is that Judd’s exit from West Coast, while speculated upon throughout 2007, had not been viewed as so certain until mid-to-late September. The tenders from Collingwood, Essendon, Melbourne and the successful bidder, Carlton, did not land until shortly before the trading period.
Free agent Butters has already met with all four of his suitors, each of whom have something distinctive on offer. We assume (as Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly did, to Port Adelaide’s irritation) that he’s leaving Port.
The Bulldogs, purportedly the early clubhouse leader, offer favourable geography and tribal loyalty – Butters grew up following the Dogs – for the midfield superstar. He has fostered a bond, too, with their champion and skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
Some in the industry believe Butters is already in the Doggy bag, subject to a deal being struck. Others involved in the bidding are adamant that he’s undecided.
Geelong offer relative proximity to Darley, on the western metropolitan fringe, where Butters’ family resides, and they present a near guarantee that, over the next eight years, they will contend multiple times for the premiership.
Reverting to Farmer Wants a Wife, the Cats are the practical country girl you settle down with. They will make it work. You mightn’t get paid quite as much as at two or three others (despite ongoing cynicism about the club’s player payments), but you will be running onto the MCG in September and surfing at Jan Juc if that’s your go.
Collingwood offer that prospect of finals-like games every second or third week. They fill the ’G in April, May and June. You’ll be on Broadway, and as with the Dogs, you’ll share billing with one of the game’s absolute best (Nick Daicos and maybe Lachie Neale). The downside of the Pies is their older demography and need for list regeneration.
That leaves Richmond, the runt of the litter in terms of current ladder position and the grim fact that they are mired in a total rebuild.
But if you assessed each suitor on the prospects for making a deal workable for all parties – rather than on short-term flag prospects – the Tigers can offer easily the best, most straightforward trade for Butters.
Port have repeatedly said they will match any free-agent bid for Butters rather than accept the compensation pick (pick No.5 now, likely No.7 after draft bids). I don’t think they’re bluffing.
Richmond hold pick No.1 in the national draft, as of Sunday, when they meet the Eagles in a winnable game. To play out the hypothetical trades, let’s say that they keep that pick at season’s end.
For Port Adelaide, pick No.1 is immensely valuable because their academy recruit Dougie Cochrane is a near-unanimous first pick in the draft. Port would need picks four and eight to match a bid at No.1 for Cochrane under the AFL’s tougher new bidding rules for father son and academy recruits.
Holding pick No.1, Richmond can put these two deals on the table, which would satisfy Port and would be damned hard for the other suitors to beat.
Butters will not walk for nothing to Richmond via the pre-season draft, nor threaten that nuclear option, I’m told. He will want Port properly compensated.
Naturally, these are trades that Richmond and Port have separately war gamed.
Option A:
1. The Tigers trade pick No.1 for Butters. No other picks involved.
2. Port simply take Cochrane at pick No.1. Port keep their first pick, No.4 on ladder position entering Saturday night (would be No.5 after a bid for Cody Walker, Carlton’s father-son).
3. The bid for Walker, expected at pick No.2 by Essendon, will generate end-of-first-round compensation for all bottom-five teams, in order, bar Richmond. This includes Port. It’s a strange new rule that helps lower sides.
The upshot: Port get Cochrane, keep their high first-rounder (pick No.5 or six), and gain a pick in the low 20s. Richmond get Butters for pick No.1 – a clean and easy trade.
Option B:
1. The Tigers trade pick No.1 for Butters.
2. Port place a bid for Carlton’s Walker at No.1, creating end-of-first-round selections for all bottom-five teams bar Richmond.
3. Port then pick the next best kid available at pick No.2. The bid for Cochrane comes next at No.3. Port match with pick No.5 or six and their (AFL-donated) end-of-first-round compo pick in the low 20s. Or they combine that freebie pick with their second-rounder and trade down to a selection in the teens to match.
The upshot: Richmond get Butters for just pick No.1. Port gain Cochrane, and the kid they rate No.2 or three in draft (behind Cochrane and maybe Walker).
The downside of the B deal is that Port could be forced into points deficit and slide slightly in the 2027 draft order.
For the Tigers, the attraction of using pick No.1 is that they cannot get either Cochrane or Walker this year, in an otherwise even draft. They could use adjusted versions of these trades with pick No.2 if they confound late-season tradition and win a game, “overtaking” Essendon.
The problem with these pick-one trades for Butters is that the Tigers lose that end-of-first-round freebie. It’s conceivable, though, that Port could find a lesser pick to compensate.
The Judd deal was expensive for Carlton, in that they parted with Josh Kennedy and picks No.3 and 20. In hindsight, they’d have fared better by trading pick No.1, and giving up Matthew Kreuzer (Trent Cotchin was in West Coast’s sights).
The problem with trading Butters to Richmond is that it’s a long way to the top from where the Tigers are situated. Butters would have to accept that three years of his prime, at best, would be spent with a team that won’t compete for flags.
It would take a leap of faith of some magnitude, not unlike the one that Judd made in 2007.
Free agency has made it easier for the guns to get to where they wish than in Judd’s day. Back then, the ability to land at one’s destination was a major consideration for players and their agents. Carlton were the easier – and more lucrative – option for Judd.
Whoever Butters chooses will find a way to get the deal done, and he’ll know the score. It won’t be Married At First Sight.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/why-richmond-offer-the-best-win-win-win-deal-for-butters-and-port-adelaide-20260801-p60kjf.html
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20 days since surgery to repair his syndesmosis, Power vice-captain Zak Butters is back running as he ramps up his desperate bid to play again this season.
Timeline for his return was listed last week as 3-4 weeks.
https://x.com/i/status/2084106251575914792
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20 days since surgery to repair his syndesmosis, Power vice-captain Zak Butters is back running as he ramps up his desperate bid to play again this season.
Timeline for his return was listed last week as 3-4 weeks.
https://x.com/i/status/2084106251575914792
Would have been TBA for 6 months at RFC
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Word is Alex Mirkov 210cm ruckman is going pretty well with The Seagulls ….
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Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)
Officials from clubs other than the four wooing the highly prized restricted free agent give Richmond more of a chance now than they did a month ago. The Tigers can front-end a deal for Butters, and get a deal done neatly, putting them in the conversation alongside the Western Bulldogs and Geelong. Collingwood are considered rank outsiders, although the prospect of playing alongside Nick Daicos – who attended the meeting the club held with Butters – was a good selling point.
Kieren Briggs (GWS)
Richmond were keen on both of the Giants’ out-of-contract ruckmen, but Nic Madden re-signed for four years – the same length the Tigers were willing to give him, on very good money – leaving unrestricted free agent Briggs available. The Tigers are telling industry figures they have secured a ruckman, and 85-gamer Briggs appears to be that player.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/footy-s-silly-season-is-just-around-the-corner-here-s-who-could-be-on-the-move-20260804-p60l6u.html
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HPKJgEAaUAEqvU0?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/AFL/status/2085880766135963666
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I honestly think we get Butters.
Money talks now. Simple as that. Unless flag tilt is borderline locked in, like Lions or Freo.
Money will talk. Butters for pick 2. Which will then also include pick 20 from the academy top 5 bid.
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Port wouldn’t get pick 20 as it’s not their original pick that’s sliding back and we wouldn’t get it either by giving up pick 2.
Not interested in the trade. If he comes as a FA so be it.
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‘GROUNDHOG DAY’ FOR BEVO IN BUTTERS WORRY... AND GREATS ARE BACKING DARK HORSE
Zak Butters, are you watching?
Because if the supposedly Bulldogs-bound superstar tuned in on Thursday night, he’d surely have questions.
The Bulldogs, for ages, it seems, have been considered the out-and-out frontrunner in the race for the Power ace.
But with Geelong continuing its winning run, the money and long-term promise on offer at Richmond, and Collingwood looming, which way Butters is leaning is anyone’s punt.
But the Tigers, armed with their cash war chest and suite of highly-touted youngsters, continue to linger as the dark horse Butters suitor.
It’s been in the pipeline for months that Richmond has reportedly offered Butters as much as $18 million over eight years to commit to Tigerland.
Injuries have meant Adem Yze hasn’t been able to get the best out of his wunderkinds just yet, with Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong, Tom Sims and Josh Smillie all cruelled this season.
But Sam Lalor alone is a drawcard, while Taj Hotton looks like the second-coming of Shane Edwards mixed with Shai Bolton.
And after toppling West Coast and coming mightily close to upsetting Adelaide on Saturday night, the Richmond arrow is starting to point back up.
“I think Zak, or any other player, would be looking at the performance over the last two weeks going, ‘maybe the tide is turning’,” triple Tigers premiership forward Jack Riewoldt said.
“Obviously, injuries have been the biggest issue for the Tigers this year, and it’s not just their ability to put a side out on the park; it affects training during the week and how many numbers you’ve got on the track.
“I know that they’re in full attracting talent (mode) now.
“They’ve been on the draft route a couple of times now, and they’ve got all those first-round draft picks.
“Now, they need to start securing some top-end talent to come in and lead this club.”
Adelaide legend Mark Ricciuto declared that if he were Butters, he’d be choosing Richmond over the Dogs and Cats.
“If you believe what you hear with the numbers and opportunities he’s got from the clubs, I think, long-term, I’d go to Richmond,” Ricciuto said.
“The offer’s there, they’ve got improvement, and I reckon they’ll be a good side in three years.
“You couldn’t guarantee that with a few of the other clubs that are putting their hands up.”
Riewoldt added: “In the cold, hard light of day, can you imagine if he went to Geelong, with everything that’s happening in the current landscape involving Geelong?
“And watching the Bulldogs the other night … I think Richmond is the destination for Zak Butters.
“They’re the club, they’ve got the high-end talent there, they’ve still got some good players like Tim Taranto around them.
“I really do believe that. I think it clicks, and once they get games into their young kids … Josh Smillie is a first-round draft pick who we haven’t even seen in two years.
“That will be the thing that I think Zak will be looking at, going, ‘not where am I going to win one next year, where can I potentially win one in the next five years?’
“I think Richmond are massively in the hunt … especially after tonight’s performance.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-round-22-talking-points-afl-commission-chair-craig-drummond-told-to-consider-quitting-over-jake-kolodjashnij-geelong-concussion-scandal-melbourne-accidental-flag-contender/news-story/05b08a5f57cf3530006e78422736e23f
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Pies make bold play for Port superstar with club-record offer
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Aug 10, 2026
Chasing rival clubs estimate the Pies' bid to be around the $1.8 million a year mark over at least eight years.
Richmond's offer for Butters has long been viewed as the most lucrative option, with the Cats and Bulldogs also strongly pursuing the three-time best-and-fairest winner.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1582397/collingwood-magpies-make-bold-play-for-port-adelaide-power-superstar-zak-butters-with-club-record-offer
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We need to move on from this topic. He won't be coming to punt road.
I hope our club has other options because they have failed so far in just about anything off field in recent times.
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If Collingwood are offering similar money to us it’s likely he will go there. Not a bad result as it will chew out a lot of their salary cap and make it hard for them to target other players.
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We've offered $18m for 8 years
They're offering $14.4m for 8 years
It's plenty of money more for us, but you'd think something he could absorb and live with if he took the lesser lol
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We need to move on from this topic. He won't be coming to punt road.
I hope our club has other options because they have failed so far in just about anything off field in recent times.
Is there inside info on this?
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Yeah Andy take out 50% tax and also front load so he gets to recoup that 2 mil lost earnings quicker.
What annoys me is they will get the job done with lesser picks. Literally a pick 10 from this years draft, and next years picks won't count for much with tassy etc
If he had chosen us which he won't, then we would have to offload plenty.
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If we give up pick 2 for him , which would also cost the compo pick , we are kidding .. especially factoring in the contract .. let him be someone else’s problem
Let them cop the free agency compo, don’t bid on Cochrane , give them some future picks
Otherwise FO
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If we give up pick 2 for him , which would also cost the compo pick , we are kidding .. especially factoring in the contract .. let him be someone else’s problem
Let them cop the free agency compo, don’t bid on Cochrane , give them some future picks
Otherwise FO
That's my issue pick 2 and lose the compo pick and will be giving something else up. We're giving up the farm keep in mind this happens it's practically 3 drafts with Tassie coming in withstood talentin. That's the complete wrong strategy for a rebuilding side especially after this season.
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Tigers great Jack Riewoldt has declared his firm belief to be that Richmond is leading the way for Zak Butters’ signature.
“That [young] group there is the nucleus of the next dynasty …”
(https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/2699567b6b4e286f9ba760d990b2af85?width=768)
#OnTheCouch, Jack Riewoldt makes a big call over Richmond’s youth while dubbing his former club the “frontrunner” for Zak Butters.
VIDEO: https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2086971298983580093
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‘Long-term view’: Great’s Butters call… and why one club is best placed in scary ‘dynasty’ reality
Jack Jovanovski
Fox Sports
August 11th, 2026
A three-time Richmond premiership great believes his former club is Zak Butters’ best long-term bet at success.
It comes as Collingwood makes its latest play in the four-club race for the superstar’s signature, with decision time nearing.
It was revealed on Monday that the Magpies lobbed a club-record deal to Butters, thought by rivals to be in the range of $1.8 million per year.
Collingwood and the Tigers are competing with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong in the chase, with Butters heavily expected to depart Port Adelaide for his home state this offseason.
Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt delved into Butters’ thought process regarding timelines around premiership success.
“From what I’ve heard, Butters watches footy closely and has a long-term view on what his next step looks like,” he began on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.
“I think about him looking at the Bulldogs the other night, and I know there’s no Sam Darcy at the moment, (but) it gets me thinking about what’s in the forefront of Butters’ mind.
“Is he in the game to win a premiership next year? More than likely, he’s going to sign an eight-year deal at whichever club he ends up at.
“And I just wonder whether it (his thinking) is ‘next year, I need to win a premiership’, or ‘what does the next five to eight years look like?’”
And it’s through that lens that Riewoldt believes Richmond is the most plausible landing spot.
“I think an exercise Butters is looking at is where is the happiest happiest hunting ground in the next eight years?” he continued.
“And you automatically look at your under-22 players on each list.
“With the draft and the way it happens — I think Tasmania is a huge curveball in this — Richmond is the only side which currently sits above Port Adelaide in the draft order.
“And with young Dougie Cochrane coming through … it makes it an interesting discussion, that I think Richmond, with that list of young players … they are the frontrunner for Zak Butters at the moment.”
Richmond hasn’t been able to get games into as many of its highly-touted 2024 draftees due to injury, with former No.7 pick Josh Smillie yet to debut.
Tom Sims also hasn’t played this year, while Sam Lalor, Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton, Luke Trainor and Harry Armstrong have all played 10 games or less.
But Riewoldt believes in the long-term potency of that group, emphasising that the “nucleus” of the club’s next great run of success is in place.
“Richmond aren’t going to win the premiership next year; they’re probably not going to win a flag in the next two years, but that group there is the nucleus of the next dynasty for the Richmond Football Club,” he declared.
“And I think Zak Butters is the driver and potentially the captain.
“They clearly went to the draft table and took seven first-round picks two years ago, because that’s what you build a nucleus around.”
Lions great Jonathan Brown challenged Riewoldt’s viewpoint that the Tigers could begin to challenge in the next few years.
“Just because Richmond ran close the other night, they’re at least four or five years away from contending around finals,” Brown said.
“Do you honestly think that team is going to be contending for a premiership in the next three to four years, which Butters will be looking for?
“Richmond doesn’t have any experienced campaigners whatsoever.”
Riewoldt replied: “Exactly why they need to access talent like Zak Butters, and next year will be a big year for the Tigers as well, to go hand in hand with that generational talent.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2026-jack-riewoldt-says-zak-butters-should-pick-richmond-tigers-free-agency-decision-collingwood-offer/news-story/6d4c24dff72e23660a67ee64bcae418b
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You can’t just declare players the nucleus of the next dynasty because they are young and high end draft picks. 1 of those players hasn’t even played a game lol
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Plus Ill be stuffed if that list has the same quality as Dusty, Cotch, Riewoldt and Rance
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Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr has confirmed the Power will match any free agency bid on Zak Butters this off-season.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/03/19/afl-2026-zak-butters-free-agency-port-adelaide-bid-match-western-bulldogs
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Just read that they don’t have to match the exact terms of the offer just the overall total deal, so front ending the deal won’t benefit us in that regard.
I truly hope the club aren’t prepared to give up our first pick this year and next. I can’t imagine port accepting anything less than that.
I’d much rather hold onto pick 2 this year and what will likely be pick one of pick 2/4/6 next year.
There will be big name free agents we can actually get as free agents without giving up anything next year and beyond. It’s not just butters or bust. Go to the draft and target mature bodies we can get with 3rd/4th rounders.
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Meanwhile Dees are meeting with Calsher Dear.
I hope were targeting him
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Just read that they don’t have to match the exact terms of the offer just the overall total deal, so front ending the deal won’t benefit us in that regard.
I truly hope the club aren’t prepared to give up our first pick this year and next. I can’t imagine port accepting anything less than that.
I’d much rather hold onto pick 2 this year and what will likely be pick one of pick 2/4/6 next year.
There will be big name free agents we can actually get as free agents without giving up anything next year and beyond. It’s not just butters or bust. Go to the draft and target mature bodies we can get with 3rd/4th rounders.
They do have to match the exact terms in real money terms but it doesn't have to be included in the salary cap. Is my understanding.
Load of rubbish rules.
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Plus Ill be stuffed if that list has the same quality as Dusty, Cotch, Riewoldt and Rance
Might be waiting a long time to pull the trigger if that's the plan.
It's very risky in our current state cause Drever sounds like a gun and hvh is mountain
However in a top ten player wants to come big call saying no
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If we give up pick 2 for him , which would also cost the compo pick , we are kidding .. especially factoring in the contract .. let him be someone else’s problem
Let them cop the free agency compo, don’t bid on Cochrane , give them some future picks
Otherwise FO
That's my issue pick 2 and lose the compo pick and will be giving something else up. We're giving up the farm keep in mind this happens it's practically 3 drafts with Tassie coming in withstood talentin. That's the complete wrong strategy for a rebuilding side especially after this season.
Lads, we are stuffed. The club is screwed and needs a circuit breaker. I’d rather Butters than another injury riddled draft pick.
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We need to move on from this topic. He won't be coming to punt road.
I hope our club has other options because they have failed so far in just about anything off field in recent times.
So true.
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Just read that they don’t have to match the exact terms of the offer just the overall total deal, so front ending the deal won’t benefit us in that regard.
I truly hope the club aren’t prepared to give up our first pick this year and next. I can’t imagine port accepting anything less than that.
I’d much rather hold onto pick 2 this year and what will likely be pick one of pick 2/4/6 next year.
There will be big name free agents we can actually get as free agents without giving up anything next year and beyond. It’s not just butters or bust. Go to the draft and target mature bodies we can get with 3rd/4th rounders.
They do have to match the exact terms in real money terms but it doesn't have to be included in the salary cap. Is my understanding.
Load of rubbish rules.
Yeah they absolutely have to match the total salary offered. The point I was trying to make was that they don’t have to match the structure of it. As in if the reports are that we are front ending the deal so heavily to the point where he will be making 4mil a year in the first couple of years are true, it would be impossible for Port to match. That’s why I was thinking it was bs that they would match. But all they have to do is match the total offer of 2ish mil over how ever many years. Still a crazy amount but I guess it is becoming the new norm given the amount of clubs willing/able to get to around there.
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Just read that they don’t have to match the exact terms of the offer just the overall total deal, so front ending the deal won’t benefit us in that regard.
I truly hope the club aren’t prepared to give up our first pick this year and next. I can’t imagine port accepting anything less than that.
I’d much rather hold onto pick 2 this year and what will likely be pick one of pick 2/4/6 next year.
There will be big name free agents we can actually get as free agents without giving up anything next year and beyond. It’s not just butters or bust. Go to the draft and target mature bodies we can get with 3rd/4th rounders.
They do have to match the exact terms in real money terms but it doesn't have to be included in the salary cap. Is my understanding.
Load of rubbish rules.
Yeah they absolutely have to match the total salary offered. The point I was trying to make was that they don’t have to match the structure of it. As in if the reports are that we are front ending the deal so heavily to the point where he will be making 4mil a year in the first couple of years are true, it would be impossible for Port to match. That’s why I was thinking it was bs that they would match. But all they have to do is match the total offer of 2ish mil over how ever many years. Still a crazy amount but I guess it is becoming the new norm given the amount of clubs willing/able to get to around there.
I believe they do have to match the structure.
They'd have to give him four million dollars next year of actually money.
But .. they are allowed to smooth it, in terms of the salary cap.
So it's 4 into his bank but on the books 2+2+2
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ZAK Butters rushing back to playing the final game of the 2026 season would contend with Nigel Smart's 1992 barefoot stroll across hot coals as the dumbest act by an Adelaide-based footballer.
Butters has up to $16 million reasons to not play for Port again this year, with that money spread over eight seasons among the offers that have been thrown his way by Richmond, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs and Geelong.
Those four clubs would be closely monitoring Butters' desire to recover from the foot injury sustained in round 18 in time to return for round 24. It would not surprise me if all four clubs had already contacted his management to say: "Tell Zak he is not to play again this year. All bets might be off if he does."
Imagine he was to play, and re-injure the foot or sustain another serious injury.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1582943
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There is a general consensus between the Giants and Jesse Hogan around a move for 2027 and beyond.
Richmond are intensely pursuing him and are considered to be the early front runners.
https://x.com/An6u3Media/status/2087121180977471921
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db5aBR-vI65/
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Jon Ralph on the Midweek Tackle last night discussing us and Butters.
Jon Ralph: "There are list bosses today who will tell you Richmond are in the box seat for Zak Butters. It seems preposterous to me. It seems preposterous given he is a Bulldogs fan who loves Marcus Bontempelli who lives so close to Whitten Oval. Their view is what Zak Butters has said to Port Adelaide is you need to win from this deal. You won't win from a deal from Geelong, Collingwood or even the Western Bulldogs. So of course he has said I will assuage my guilt by getting to a club like Richmond. Now of course that is also the Port Adelaide narrative because they want these other clubs to pony up. But the Tigers will give up pick 2 and more for Butters in a heartbeat.
Glenn MacFarlane: "If he did that would he be backing in Richmond's young list? He's obviously put in a lot of thought into this process and backing them in to come good in 2-3 years."
Jon Ralph: "He's not a 28 year old free agent. He's 26 and has 7-8 years ahead of him. How do you think the Bulldogs will be any better?"
https://kayosports.com.au/en-AU/show/Competition:08nztp2o8dds71mlo8tuqvgfhi
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Jesse Hogan yes please
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This will be interesting in how it all plays out for sure. I'm a bit torn about spending so much $$$ on one player when we could target 2 very good players. But at the same time, if there is a player like butters on the list with good youth around him, will that make Richmond a team that other players would consider moving to again, which then gives us a better opportunity to pick and choose other talent as we see fit?
Time will tell ?
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Why would we keep Tom Lynch then go after Hogan?
Doesn't make sense to me.
But t I have always liked him as a player
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Why would we keep Tom Lynch then go after Hogan?
Doesn't make sense to me.
But t I have always liked him as a player
I do get your point but we only score about 9 goals per game.
We need all the help we can get
That coupled with Tom Lynch’s lack of reliability means we are probably needing a chop out
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Why would we keep Tom Lynch then go after Hogan?
Doesn't make sense to me.
But t I have always liked him as a player
I do get your point but we only score about 9 goals per game.
We need all the help we can get
That coupled with Tom Lynch’s lack of reliability means we are probably needing a chop out
Hogans body looks shot too. Maybe btw the 2 of them we can get a seasons worth of games to support the young fellas.
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If Hogan is healthy enough, I am keen.
As for Butters and the FA deal, you would think the total contract value over time is what matters, not the pay structure.
Otherwise any low-end team would just offer $3-4m in the first year so nobody can ever match it and every team would lose the UFA's.
Port matching an offer means they'll have to work it out over 8 years and that makes sense IMO.
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Paying him four million dollars and putting two of in the TPP doesn't make sense it's shady af
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Why would we keep Tom Lynch then go after Hogan?
Doesn't make sense to me.
But t I have always liked him as a player
I do get your point but we only score about 9 goals per game.
We need all the help we can get
That coupled with Tom Lynch’s lack of reliability means we are probably needing a chop out
Hogans body looks shot too. Maybe btw the 2 of them we can get a seasons worth of games to support the young fellas.
Correct. My thoughts as well.
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Cornes: The club Butters should choose
By Andrew Slevison
SEN
12 Aug 2026
Zak Butters has an enormous decision to make.
The Port Adelaide star is wanted by at least four clubs with the Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong all very keen to lure him back to Victoria.
Provided he does leave the Power, he’ll likely get massive money at the Tigers, who are rebuilding, while the Dogs and Pies can offer decent coin, slightly more than the Cats.
Kane Cornes was asked by Tom Morris on SEN’s Locked In which club he would choose if he were Butters.
Morris outlined some key factors: Winning and money.
Cornes said the lure of pulling on the yellow and black at the MCG on huge money would be quite enticing.
“I just think Richmond are an equal chance as the other three clubs in four years’ time - it’s a guess - but I think the factors are there for Richmond to be, if not better than the other three, but certainly equal,” he said.
“Big club, play at the ‘G, huge crowd when things go well, and you’re going to get paid a whole lot more.
“And it’s going to be easier to get a trade deal done, so I’ll chuck that in.
“I would go to Richmond. Richmond fans, they say I never say anything nice about their footy club.”
Does Butters make the struggling Tigers better immediately?
“Yes,” Cornes said firmly.
“Could they win eight games next year with him if they are sound and a couple of these young players come on after a good pre-season.
“I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Would you give him the captaincy immediately?
“Yes, I would,” Cornes replied.
Butters, 25, is hoping to return from a syndesmosis injury for the final round of the 2026 season before making a massive call on his future.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/08/11/afl-trade-news-zak-butters-next-club-kane-cornes-richmond
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According to a popular Richmond YouTube podcast last night - 95% certainty.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HPcThPqa8AAls2a?format=jpg&name=small)
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/moneyball-are-any-of-the-clubs-set-to-miss-top10-open-for-business-come-trade-time/news-story/44b5948a9d8576e6aaf6bb0f11c4daed
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According to a popular Richmond YouTube podcast last night - 95% certainty.
:shh
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Afl.com reporting -
Kieren Briggs has been offered a four-year deal by Richmond,
@JoshGabelich
reports.
Since round 9, Briggs is rated the seventh-best ruckman according to Champion Data's AFL Player Ratings system.
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Our CBA this season by %.
Tier 1:
Tim Taranto
Toby Nankervis
Jacob Hopper
Tier 2:
Jack Ross
Samson Ryan
Oliver Hayes-Brown
That looks bit more healthy if butters Briggs comes to fruition
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TIGERS MAKE GIANT OFFER
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HPgUAQiaoAEk0L4?format=jpg&name=small)
KIEREN Briggs is poised for a move in October with Richmond offering a four-year deal to the out-of-contract Greater Western Sydney ruckman.
The Tigers have been scouring the ruck market across 2026 to support captain Toby Nankervis in 2027 and beyond.
Richmond made a lucrative long-term offer to young Giant Nick Madden and made a play for West Coast's No.1 ruckman Bailey Williams, but both recommitted to their clubs in recent months.
The Tigers are understood to have narrowed their focus on Briggs since then and are prepared to sign the unrestricted free agent through until 2030.
GWS prioritised re-signing the younger Madden and haven't made an offer to Briggs.
Briggs has been a reliable option under Adam Kingsley, playing 75 games across the past four years for a total of 86 out of the Giants' Academy.
Since round 9, Briggs is rated the seventh-best ruckman according to Champion Data's AFL Player Ratings system.
– Josh Gabelich
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1582754/tigers-eye-giant-hinkley-sells-devils-dream-aa-squad-set-for-early-reveal
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“My mail is”: Fremantle ruck linked to shock trade move
“He does have some currency. He comes with a big salary.”
Aidan Cellini
zerohanger.com
August 13, 2026
Contracted Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has been linked with a move to Richmond as he struggles to cement his spot in the senior side.
Darcy is currently playing in the WAFL for Peel Thunder, with Luke Jackson and Mason Cox leapfrogging him in the ruck pecking order under Justin Longmuir.
The Victorian is locked away until 2030 on a big contract signed at the end of 2023, but has played 36 games since then, with injuries and form plaguing his availability.
Speaking on The Outer Wing, hosted by Mark Stevens and Digby Beacham, presented by TAB Touch, the journalism duo discussed the prospect of Darcy joining the Tigers, and how it could benefit the Dockers.
"My mail is with Sean Darcy; he could be headed to Tigerland," Stevens said.
"He's going to have some currency in the trade market."
"My oath he is," Beacham responded.
"Is he going to be able to produce another 140, 150 games of good football? Maybe. He needs to be a far more streamlined version of perhaps what he is at the moment and what we've seen previously.
"He does have some currency. He comes with a big salary. He's on big money here at Fremantle on a contract which has another four years on it but Fremantle, where they're likely to finish this year, they need to find a way back into the draft early on, maybe shipping out Sean Darcy, because you have got Mason Cox for 2027, Luke Jackson is your number one ruckman, there's no question there, maybe just maybe, you can move on Sean Darcy.
"They won't entertain that conversation at the moment because they're trying to win a historic first flag, but certainly he's got some currency, and that's what Fremantle needs before they head to the draft.
"Late first-rounder, early second-rounder, and maybe some exchange of picks and players. I don't think he'll command a top-10, top-15 pick, because at the moment, he's not playing in the number one side."
Richmond missed out on GWS tall Nick Madden, who signed a four-year extension last month. They have turned their attention to Madden's teammate Kieren Briggs, offering a four-year deal to lure him to Punt Road.
The Tigers are planning for life after premiership ruck Toby Nankervis, who has a contract for next year.
https://www.zerohanger.com/my-mail-is-fremantle-ruck-linked-to-shock-trade-move-181180/
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TIGERS MAKE GIANT OFFER
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HPgUAQiaoAEk0L4?format=jpg&name=small)
KIEREN Briggs is poised for a move in October with Richmond offering a four-year deal to the out-of-contract Greater Western Sydney ruckman.
The Tigers have been scouring the ruck market across 2026 to support captain Toby Nankervis in 2027 and beyond.
Richmond made a lucrative long-term offer to young Giant Nick Madden and made a play for West Coast's No.1 ruckman Bailey Williams, but both recommitted to their clubs in recent months.
The Tigers are understood to have narrowed their focus on Briggs since then and are prepared to sign the unrestricted free agent through until 2030.
GWS prioritised re-signing the younger Madden and haven't made an offer to Briggs.
Briggs has been a reliable option under Adam Kingsley, playing 75 games across the past four years for a total of 86 out of the Giants' Academy.
Since round 9, Briggs is rated the seventh-best ruckman according to Champion Data's AFL Player Ratings system.
– Josh Gabelich
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1582754/tigers-eye-giant-hinkley-sells-devils-dream-aa-squad-set-for-early-reveal
Couldn't think of a more ridiculous trade. Briggs is OK. But his skill set has been nerfed along with Nank, ROB and Xerri and the more contested ruckman vs the leapers. Would maaaaaybe make sense if we went and got Van Hattan and needed someone as interim until he's ready but I'd go a jumper over a brawler.
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Who wont be around in 5 years time or into their 30'S and past their best?.
We have 16 players who fall into this category alone. apologies if i have the odd one wrong with dates. It happens.
5 years is a very reasonable time frame to get 15 - 20 players into the 80 100 game range, and 24yo - 29 PRIME age group. To compete in finals that is the bottom line or close to it.
If all are kept which would be a nonsense most will be gone the 16 are Hopper, Taranto, Prestia, Short, Vlastuin, Broad, Lynch, Ross, HRS, Mansell, Miller, Lefau, Balta, Nankervis, OHB, Ryan. Im okay in saying i think only two will be there in five years time.
That leaves 27 players who will be aged between 24 and 29 in 5 years time.
It includes all of our current juniors. 18 -21.
Lalor, Faull, Hotton, Smillie, Cumming, Grlj, Peucker, NR-T, McAulliffe, Alger, Retschko, Armstrong, Fawcett, Sims, Burton,
Thats 15 juniors at the start of next year and we will need to add some more at the ND.
a 50% overall hit rate in the ND would be above the norm without looking it up but im sure its less than that. So its probably not unfair to expect at least a 50% fail rate. Thats another lets say 7 players who likely won't be there based purely on the numbers and success rates etc.
We would be fools if we are not planning for misses in the ND. Especially with our drafting record.
Then we have our 22 and 23 year olds. I call em development players who have been deemed good enough to be kept and still have a bit of develoment to go at their age, they are no longer juniors but not fully mature.At the start of next season.
Banks, Gibcus , Clarke, McAuliffe, Brown, Annand, Green, Smith Gray. Has any of them truly established themselves yet. I currently have no problem cutting three all need big years next year.
That leaves our players who are 24-29 at the start of footy season next year. 12 Mature players by my count in their prime. .
Ross, Mansell. Miller, HRS, Taranto, Rioli, Balta, Ryan, Trezise, Sonsie,Lefau, OH-B. If we cut 7 of them this year id have no problem.
This is the core group we are gunna ask Butters to join. Butters will be 26 at the start of footy season next year. in 5 years he will be 31 if 5 years is a reasonable time frame for us just to challenge then he will be leaving his run a bit late imo.
If it was all about money he would be a tiger but it isnt just about money he is chasing success and imo the tiger window if it happens is too far away for him imo.
My feeling is we need to cut hard and go hard in two more drafts and also start to utilise f/a and trades for depth on players who will fall into that prime age bracket in five years time.
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Which team has the least amount of players aged 25 and + clawski?
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After watching today, there is no way we should be entertaining trading top picks and spending $2m on 1 player. We need to turn the list over and go hard for some decent mature bodies that won’t cost us top picks.
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The team with the least amount of players in the 24 - 29 prime age bracket is us. The teams in last spot by some margin with players in the 100 plus game range is us and wce.
That mid tier is our biggest single weakness with too many not to standard. Not only do we have the least amount of 24 - 29 year olds we have the least quality, imo of course.
Our trouble i would bet the team in last spot with players between 50 and 90 games mostly players in the 19 - 23 age bracket that is juniors and development players is us.
They are Miller, Banks, Brown, HRS, Rioli, Sonsie, Campbell, Mansell. Campbell is the only junior we have to hit 50 games. Again do we want to talk about the quality?
The amount of work that has to be done, well we have hardly scratched the surface. I still wonder if we have actually hit rock bottom yet.
Finally go look at the number of players we had in the 24 - 29 age bracket in the 2017 flag also look at how many had 100 plus games and how many fell into the 50 9o odd game bracket. Getting Caddy Prestia and Nankervis in particular made some sort of sense at the end of 2016 at least as far as list age and games played went.
The only way that can significantly improve is get our juniors into that 80 - 100 game range and that takes time.
I still maintain it wont be until around 2031 that we become a genuine contender because like everyone else in the comp we are going to have our fair share of busts.
If its quality or more to the point quality depth we are striving for then we need to use as many top picks as we can lay our hands on the next few years before drafts are once again compromised with the advent of Tassie.
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So we are too old and too young. To add a 25 year old top 10 player. Curious.
This raises some questions.
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So we are too old and too young. To add a 25 year old top 10 player. Curious.
This raises some questions.
You can take out of it what you want.
How long before you think we can be a legitimate threat? What do you think about our mid tier as far as numbers and quality go.
Its the mid tier that will determine if we have a quick rise up the ladder not the juniors who have to be given plenty of time.
As far as the age or number of players we have in the prime age group and with experience to go with it, we are stone motherless last.
Look at the quality in this group as well and you think we are gunna play finals.
This will not be a quick fix
If you were Butters and chasing success would you want to leave it until your in your 30"s? to win a flag, because that is the realistic time frame if he comes to us.
When Smillie Cumming Hotton Lalor and most of the other juniors get to 100 games or should i say IF they get to 100 games or so then you can go and get a player like Butters.
We need our juniors to become our core group and with so many poor mid tier players and the vets all going soon the amount of good players needed goes way beyond just bringing in Butters.
Imo anyone wanting success in the few years are just plain impatient and ignorant of just how long it takes.
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Does it matter how lalor and friends get to this magical 80 games mark?
Will it fool their progression getting battered by ten goals for the next three years?
How do you envision spending this required 17.5 million dollars next season.
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So we are too old and too young. To add a 25 year old top 10 player. Curious.
This raises some questions.
You can take out of it what you want.
How long before you think we can be a legitimate threat? What do you think about our mid tier as far as numbers and quality go.
Its the mid tier that will determine if we have a quick rise up the ladder not the juniors who have to be given plenty of time.
As far as the age or number of players we have in the prime age group and with experience to go with it, we are stone motherless last.
Look at the quality in this group as well and you think we are gunna play finals.
This will not be a quick fix
If you were Butters and chasing success would you want to leave it until your in your 30"s? to win a flag, because that is the realistic time frame if he comes to us.
When Smillie Cumming Hotton Lalor and most of the other juniors get to 100 games or should i say IF they get to 100 games or so then you can go and get a player like Butters.
We need our juniors to become our core group and with so many poor mid tier players and the vets all going soon the amount of good players needed goes way beyond just bringing in Butters.
Imo anyone wanting success in the few years are just plain impatient and ignorant of just how long it takes.
I agree with AJ. You claim to know “how long it takes” and yet your were the one whinging about our list and trumpeting Melbourne’s list when we were busily watching our list win multiple flags.
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Mitch Cleary is today claiming Geelong is now the favourite to get Butters.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HP0KsH1bgAAJnxD?format=jpg&name=small)
https://omny.fm/shows/the-rub/mitch-cleary-reveals-the-new-favourite-to-land-zak-butters
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2088852396420018280
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2088801366236147919
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FRESH BUTTERS UPDATE AS FRONTRUNNER EMERGES
There’s reportedly a “new favourite” in the race for Zak Butters.
The Western Bulldogs had long been considered the leading candidate to land his signature, while Geelong has been in the hunt, and Richmond and Collingwood have lobbed lucrative offers.
However, after months of speculation about which club, if any, was ahead of the pack, Seven’s Mitch Cleary now reports Geelong has surged to the front.
“For 12-18 months, I’ve had (the Bulldogs) as favourites — I think there’s a new favourite now, and it’s the Geelong Football Club,” Cleary said on Sunday.
“They are coming with a rush, the Cats — there’s growing confidence down the highway that they’ll be able to secure Zak Butters.
“I’m not saying the Bulldogs are out of the race; I’m not putting a line through Collingwood or Richmond.
“But the Cats are coming hard for Zak Butters, and there is confidence growing.”
It comes days after the revelation that the Magpies had offered a club-record deal in the vicinity of $14 million over eight years.
The Tigers have had a well-documented offer on the table totalling roughly $18 million, while the Dogs have the emotional connection to Butters as his childhood club, and the Cats boast the allure of perpetual flag contention.
The superstar midfielder — long touted to depart Alberton after eight years — has maintained all year long he’ll wait until the end of the season to make his free agency call.
But as a restricted free agent, it’s expected that Port Adelaide will match any contending offer sheet, forcing a trade.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2026-geelong-cats-new-frontrunner-for-zak-butters-western-bulldogs-richmond-ollie-hollands/news-story/d1a7aab96c43c768e3b3656ee2eb7a97
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Mitch Cleary is today claiming Geelong is now the favourite to get Butters.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HP0KsH1bgAAJnxD?format=jpg&name=small)
https://omny.fm/shows/the-rub/mitch-cleary-reveals-the-new-favourite-to-land-zak-butters
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2088852396420018280
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2088801366236147919
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FRESH BUTTERS UPDATE AS FRONTRUNNER EMERGES
There’s reportedly a “new favourite” in the race for Zak Butters.
The Western Bulldogs had long been considered the leading candidate to land his signature, while Geelong has been in the hunt, and Richmond and Collingwood have lobbed lucrative offers.
However, after months of speculation about which club, if any, was ahead of the pack, Seven’s Mitch Cleary now reports Geelong has surged to the front.
“For 12-18 months, I’ve had (the Bulldogs) as favourites — I think there’s a new favourite now, and it’s the Geelong Football Club,” Cleary said on Sunday.
“They are coming with a rush, the Cats — there’s growing confidence down the highway that they’ll be able to secure Zak Butters.
“I’m not saying the Bulldogs are out of the race; I’m not putting a line through Collingwood or Richmond.
“But the Cats are coming hard for Zak Butters, and there is confidence growing.”
It comes days after the revelation that the Magpies had offered a club-record deal in the vicinity of $14 million over eight years.
The Tigers have had a well-documented offer on the table totalling roughly $18 million, while the Dogs have the emotional connection to Butters as his childhood club, and the Cats boast the allure of perpetual flag contention.
The superstar midfielder — long touted to depart Alberton after eight years — has maintained all year long he’ll wait until the end of the season to make his free agency call.
But as a restricted free agent, it’s expected that Port Adelaide will match any contending offer sheet, forcing a trade.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2026-geelong-cats-new-frontrunner-for-zak-butters-western-bulldogs-richmond-ollie-hollands/news-story/d1a7aab96c43c768e3b3656ee2eb7a97
I would think that 16 other clubs would just about mutiny if that happened. :-[
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Jay Clark has also joined in.
"Geelong has jumped into the box seat for Zak Butters"
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2088946658017161698
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Geelong couldn't possibly afford a trade.
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I know where I would go if I was Butters, anywhere but RFC or Essendon
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Geelong couldn't possibly afford a trade.
Nor have the necessary draft capital when the officer is matched.
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I know where I would go if I was Butters, anywhere but RFC or Essendon
Yep. We are a joke.
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So we are too old and too young. To add a 25 year old top 10 player. Curious.
This raises some questions.
You can take out of it what you want.
How long before you think we can be a legitimate threat? What do you think about our mid tier as far as numbers and quality go.
Its the mid tier that will determine if we have a quick rise up the ladder not the juniors who have to be given plenty of time.
As far as the age or number of players we have in the prime age group and with experience to go with it, we are stone motherless last.
Look at the quality in this group as well and you think we are gunna play finals.
This will not be a quick fix
If you were Butters and chasing success would you want to leave it until your in your 30"s? to win a flag, because that is the realistic time frame if he comes to us.
When Smillie Cumming Hotton Lalor and most of the other juniors get to 100 games or should i say IF they get to 100 games or so then you can go and get a player like Butters.
We need our juniors to become our core group and with so many poor mid tier players and the vets all going soon the amount of good players needed goes way beyond just bringing in Butters.
Imo anyone wanting success in the few years are just plain impatient and ignorant of just how long it takes.
I agree with AJ. You claim to know “how long it takes” and yet your were the one whinging about our list and trumpeting Melbourne’s list when we were busily watching our list win multiple flags.
Im not claiming anything. Im looking at the the numbers and telling everyone what those numbers say. the vast majority of teams who genuinely challenge for flags fit those numbers.
Why do you think we are any different.
I have to laugh i dont think anyone complained while we were winning flags but idid say we were doing nothing about succession.
Look where that has got us.
You know how long it took us to win a flag with the players we had. iT WAS 12 YEARS. Riewoldt, Edwards 06 to Nankervis, Prestia, Caddy in 2016.
Our 2017 team had 11 players with over 100 games it had 15 players aged 24 - 29 it had others aged 23 like vlastuin with 96 games.
Don't be ignorant go look at all other sides who play in a g/f the vast majority would fall into these age games categories.
It may not be exact like most things in footy arent but if we are trying to determine where you have to get to to challenge id say they damn well give you a good idea.
Finally and yes i thought Melbourne were coming it just took a bit longer than i anticipated they won in 2021 lol.
surprise surprise their g/f team had 14 players in the 24=29 age bracket and 14 had played 100 plus games.
Look if your upset about the numbers being shown fine have a hissy fit but dont take it out on me im just pointing out the obvious.
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Bailey Humphrey has knocked back rival interest and signed a new deal to stay at Gold Coast.
AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey has reported the Victorian has recommitted to the Suns until the end of 2030.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1589004/gold-coast-suns-young-gun-bailey-humphrey-makes-massive-contract-call-amid-rival-interest-from-melbourne-and-hawthorn
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"He left four or five off, just to make his Richmond point!" ?
Luke Beveridge believes the Bulldogs' list has the young talent to attract players like Zak Butters - and has a little jab for Jack Riewoldt's call about the Tigers being well-placed... #AFL360
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2089288525770600830
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/western-bulldogs/afl-2026-luke-beveridge-on-zak-butters-geelong-is-the-new-frontrunner-for-zak-butters-free-agency-race-details-trade-news-rumours-whispers-latest-news/news-story/faf050d4654451f3a9d119d0865b79ad
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Tiger71 from Tigercast posted this on X/twitter last night:
"Relax Tiger family. Nothing changed. Its the same as when Twomey call Lynch a lock to the pies a week out before he signed with us, ditto Prestia to Melbourne a week out, ditto Hopper to Cats and Tarranto to pies locked in 2 weeks out. My source has confirmed nothings changed"
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2089296071302562164
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Bailey Smith held a secret meeting with Zak Butters in recent weeks alongside Geelong officials, with the Cats mounting a final pitch to the Port superstar. Smith pushed the Cats lifestyle + the future. Details + his statement to @7newsmelbourne
https://x.com/i/status/2089505028260384793
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Tiger71 from Tigercast posted this on X/twitter last night:
"Relax Tiger family. Nothing changed. Its the same as when Twomey call Lynch a lock to the pies a week out before he signed with us, ditto Prestia to Melbourne a week out, ditto Hopper to Cats and Tarranto to pies locked in 2 weeks out. My source has confirmed nothings changed"
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2089296071302562164
Great signings tells me the club has confirmation and due to Lalor contract not being resigned till next year with the new class.....good signs. Get the lower costs ones out of the way before the big one in 2 or 3 weeks lol
https://x.com/i/status/2089557725844013086
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Tiger71 from Tigercast posted this on X/twitter last night:
"Relax Tiger family. Nothing changed. Its the same as when Twomey call Lynch a lock to the pies a week out before he signed with us, ditto Prestia to Melbourne a week out, ditto Hopper to Cats and Tarranto to pies locked in 2 weeks out. My source has confirmed nothings changed"
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2089296071302562164
Great signings tells me the club has confirmation and due to Lalor contract not being resigned till next year with the new class.....good signs. Get the lower costs ones out of the way before the big one in 2 or 3 weeks lol
https://x.com/i/status/2089557725844013086
Is the follow up comments by Leslie Roy on that last post an issue as he says Geelong is a lock?
Can't add link as not on X, but it is clearly readable in the link OE posted above.
https://x.com/i/status/2089557725844013086
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Tiger71 from Tigercast posted this on X/twitter last night:
"Relax Tiger family. Nothing changed. Its the same as when Twomey call Lynch a lock to the pies a week out before he signed with us, ditto Prestia to Melbourne a week out, ditto Hopper to Cats and Tarranto to pies locked in 2 weeks out. My source has confirmed nothings changed"
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2089296071302562164
Great signings tells me the club has confirmation and due to Lalor contract not being resigned till next year with the new class.....good signs. Get the lower costs ones out of the way before the big one in 2 or 3 weeks lol
https://x.com/i/status/2089557725844013086
Is the follow up comments by Leslie Roy on that last post an issue as he says Geelong is a lock?
Can't add link as not on X, but it is clearly readable in the link OE posted above.
https://x.com/i/status/2089557725844013086
Wazza, that's this post below on X/twitter but who is Leslie Roy? There's lots of people on social media saying different things while claiming they have the inside goss. Only Butters himself and those close to him would truly know where he is going.
"Butters to Geelong is a lock unfortunately my mail has him there for 9 year contract, hated Geelong before they got Jezza now getting butters I want to play them in another GF and smash them again!!! #F***Geelong"
https://x.com/easter118/status/2089570935481496053
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube show tonight:
* Richmond is still well in front for Butters. Our offer will make him the highest paid player in the game. More than what Dusty got.
* Butters is keen to look after Port given what they did in the past for his "circle". Our future picks are far more valuable than anything the Dogs, Cats or Pies can offer with Tassie entering the draft next year. For example, if we finish 17th next year and the other three finish 7th, 8th & 9th, then our future first is pick 4 while the others are pick 18, 19 or 20. If they finish higher than 7th it's a pick in the 20s.
* Port has sour history with Geelong. Cats went after Travis Boak via the media.
* Geelong being the favourite for Butters is a distraction by the AFL friendly media (Ch 7) given the damaging waiver story.
* Briggs is the favoured out of him and Sean Darcy. The latter has gone cold although Tiger71 said he hasn't asked about it recently.
* We are chasing Noah Anderson next year. Not a lock but we are going after him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHk_wr5PNGE
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" We are chasing Noah Anderson "
That's more like it
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Would we look at Tsatis from the Bombers?
Gets it a lot, kicking an issue. New environment?
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Would we look at Tsatis from the Bombers?
Gets it a lot, kicking an issue. New environment?
1 way runner, can’t kick, no thanks.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube show tonight:
* Richmond is still well in front for Butters. Our offer will make him the highest paid player in the game. More than what Dusty got.
* Butters is keen to look after Port given what they did in the past for his "circle". Our future picks are far more valuable than anything the Dogs, Cats or Pies can offer with Tassie entering the draft next year. For example, if we finish 17th next year and the other three finish 7th, 8th & 9th, then our future first is pick 4 while the others are pick 18, 19 or 20. If they finish higher than 7th it's a pick in the 20s.
* Port has sour history with Geelong. Cats went after Travis Boak via the media.
* Geelong being the favourite for Butters is a distraction by the AFL friendly media (Ch 7) given the damaging waiver story.
* Briggs is the favoured out of him and Sean Darcy. The latter has gone cold although Tiger71 said he hasn't asked about it recently.
* We are chasing Noah Anderson next year. Not a lock but we are going after him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHk_wr5PNGE
Comedy god. :lol
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube show tonight:
* Richmond is still well in front for Butters. Our offer will make him the highest paid player in the game. More than what Dusty got.
* Butters is keen to look after Port given what they did in the past for his "circle". Our future picks are far more valuable than anything the Dogs, Cats or Pies can offer with Tassie entering the draft next year. For example, if we finish 17th next year and the other three finish 7th, 8th & 9th, then our future first is pick 4 while the others are pick 18, 19 or 20. If they finish higher than 7th it's a pick in the 20s.
* Port has sour history with Geelong. Cats went after Travis Boak via the media.
* Geelong being the favourite for Butters is a distraction by the AFL friendly media (Ch 7) given the damaging waiver story.
* Briggs is the favoured out of him and Sean Darcy. The latter has gone cold although Tiger71 said he hasn't asked about it recently.
* We are chasing Noah Anderson next year. Not a lock but we are going after him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHk_wr5PNGE
He seems very confident on this one. Hope he is right but can't see it happening.
Will be glad to be proven wrong.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube show tonight:
* Richmond is still well in front for Butters. Our offer will make him the highest paid player in the game. More than what Dusty got.
* Butters is keen to look after Port given what they did in the past for his "circle". Our future picks are far more valuable than anything the Dogs, Cats or Pies can offer with Tassie entering the draft next year. For example, if we finish 17th next year and the other three finish 7th, 8th & 9th, then our future first is pick 4 while the others are pick 18, 19 or 20. If they finish higher than 7th it's a pick in the 20s.
* Port has sour history with Geelong. Cats went after Travis Boak via the media.
* Geelong being the favourite for Butters is a distraction by the AFL friendly media (Ch 7) given the damaging waiver story.
* Briggs is the favoured out of him and Sean Darcy. The latter has gone cold although Tiger71 said he hasn't asked about it recently.
* We are chasing Noah Anderson next year. Not a lock but we are going after him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHk_wr5PNGE
FMD this guy is full of poo
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If butters is so keen to look after port may I recommend re-signing with port……..
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"The Dogs have been losing some hope in recent times"
Cal Twomey on Zak Butters (via Gettable)
https://x.com/i/status/2089876435288883398
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Question assuming Bombers win and we have Pick 1. Could Port accept the compensation pick No. 5 for Butters.
Then we trade pick 1 for pick 5 as a seperate deal. Port gets best player, plus their academy selection.
Is this allowed?
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pmac, I think the AFL can refuse trades like that unless there's a clear salary dump, point benefit or player involved etc. They are wary of clubs compromising the draft.
Port would likely need to keep that P5 compo to match an early bid for Cochrane, probably with their 1st rounder, so I don't think we'd be able to get it off them.
Maybe we could trade them Hopper and Ryan with P1 as a salary dump since they won't need to pay Butters :)
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Josh Carr says he’s still holding onto a “glimmer of hope” that Zak Butters will stay at Port Adelaide as the chances of the superstar returning against Essendon fade.
Source: HeraldSun
https://x.com/i/status/2090210605726945384
Port CEO, Matthew Richardson on Zak Butters' future.
Could the Power have an answer on Zak's future as early as next week?
"We’ll wait until next week and we’ll prepare for that from that point forward".
https://x.com/i/status/2090227157616484559
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Port tank. Essendon win and we get pick 1 for Butters.
However what hasn't been mentioned yet is why wouldn't we entertain playing hardball with Port to take Butters in PSD. I mean Butters is likely to think of Port compo in someway, what is stopping us pitching to him that he comes for free and we keep our draft capital improving our list even further where as Geelong or Dogs will have to give up something significant and worsening their future compared to us.
I'd love us to convinced Butters that much for him to agree to go in PSD draft and convince Port to not match FA bid and then they get pick 5 as compo FA.
This would significantly improve us. Butters in PSD, give Port exchange of picks where they greatly win out of as agreement to not match FA Possibly pick 19 for nothing, and we keep pick 1.
Then we go into next year with Pick 1, Pick 19 (compo for Walker bid on Pick 1) and Butters. Outrageous improvement.
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Other side of the coin TL, he has morals, loves his club but wants to come home, doesn't want to see them screwed over, and maybe wouldn't be the right sort of recruit if he was ready to knife his club like that.
But yes, I'd love it if we could pull it off.
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once the season is over that loyalty will be diminished. :shh
I bet he goes elsewhere for lower valued picks that we would have given which goes to my point.
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Port tank. Essendon win and we get pick 1 for Butters.
However what hasn't been mentioned yet is why wouldn't we entertain playing hardball with Port to take Butters in PSD. I mean Butters is likely to think of Port compo in someway, what is stopping us pitching to him that he comes for free and we keep our draft capital improving our list even further where as Geelong or Dogs will have to give up something significant and worsening their future compared to us.
I'd love us to convinced Butters that much for him to agree to go in PSD draft and convince Port to not match FA bid and then they get pick 5 as compo FA.
This would significantly improve us. Butters in PSD, give Port exchange of picks where they greatly win out of as agreement to not match FA Possibly pick 19 for nothing, and we keep pick 1.
Then we go into next year with Pick 1, Pick 19 (compo for Walker bid on Pick 1) and Butters. Outrageous improvement.
You aren’t walking in Butters shoes. Why on earth would he come to Tigerland? For any reason? The worst run club in the AFL bar Essington. Virtually no prospect to get any better in the next 5 years.
Rudderless on field
Soulless off field (senior leadership).
There are zero reasons to join apart from $.
Your post is admirable but delusional
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I'm not one for giving up pick 2 & more, but these re-signings being 'only' 2 year extensions is a positive sign about Butters. Cubs remain on average dough while Butters' contract is massively front ended from 2027-29.
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$18m reasons why...
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
As I posted on the other thread
I wouldn't be taking any of them. Why? because each player even though are not the person under investigation for the alleged sexual assault were on the room and allegedly did nothing to stop what was taking place. They may not end up being charged but they are still guilty.
So taking on any of them by extension is condoning their behaviour. Happy to call it guilty by association
Don't give poo if anyone agrees or not.
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Let find out what really went on before passing judgement .
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
As I posted on the other thread
I wouldn't be taking any of them. Why? because each player even though are not the person under investigation for the alleged sexual assault were on the room and allegedly did nothing to stop what was taking place. They may not end up being charged but they are still guilty.
So taking on any of them by extension is condoning their behaviour. Happy to call it guilty by association
Don't give poo if anyone agrees or not.
Your entitled to an opinion, even though its wrong.
WP you passed judgement on our greatest player to ever play for the RFC before you uncovered the facts. Why would you go there again?
i think those who are found guilty shouldn't be held in the same light as others who were merely present.
Either way for me Blakey would be a great get and exactly what we need. He can teach our kids what not to do now off field.
We took Pickett on ffs or have you forgotten? Lets give the kid a second chance.
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
As I posted on the other thread
I wouldn't be taking any of them. Why? because each player even though are not the person under investigation for the alleged sexual assault were on the room and allegedly did nothing to stop what was taking place. They may not end up being charged but they are still guilty.
So taking on any of them by extension is condoning their behaviour. Happy to call it guilty by association
Don't give poo if anyone agrees or not.
Your entitled to an opinion, even though its wrong.
WP you passed judgement on our greatest player to ever play for the RFC before you uncovered the facts. Why would you go there again?
i think those who are found guilty shouldn't be held in the same light as others who were merely present.
Either way for me Blakey would be a great get and exactly what we need. He can teach our kids what not to do now off field.
We took Pickett on ffs or have you forgotten? Lets give the kid a second chance.
Not sure WP ever passed judgment on Dusty and I think he has been clear on that on a number of occasions.
Anyway, I think the harm to our reputation would be nearly be as bad the harm caused to Sydney’s if we picked up one the five players involved. Sexual assault charges proven or not, paying a woman to snort cocaine off her body would most certainly put a number of sponsors off if we picked any of them up. And with a young crop of players, what message does that send to them?
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Let find out what really went on before passing judgement .
Agree
I remember certain people jumping the gun with Dusty and the chopstick “incident”
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:shh
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If we burned a footballer every time he stuffed up then our national sport would have to be ping pong cause there wouldn’t be anyone left
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
As I posted on the other thread
I wouldn't be taking any of them. Why? because each player even though are not the person under investigation for the alleged sexual assault were on the room and allegedly did nothing to stop what was taking place. They may not end up being charged but they are still guilty.
So taking on any of them by extension is condoning their behaviour. Happy to call it guilty by association
Don't give poo if anyone agrees or not.
Your entitled to an opinion, even though its wrong.
WP you passed judgement on our greatest player to ever play for the RFC before you uncovered the facts. Why would you go there again?
i think those who are found guilty shouldn't be held in the same light as others who were merely present.
Either way for me Blakey would be a great get and exactly what we need. He can teach our kids what not to do now off field.
We took Pickett on ffs or have you forgotten? Lets give the kid a second chance.
Not sure WP ever passed judgment on Dusty and I think he has been clear on that on a number of occasions.
Anyway, I think the harm to our reputation would be nearly be as bad the harm caused to Sydney’s if we picked up one the five players involved. Sexual assault charges proven or not, paying a woman to snort cocaine off her body would most certainly put a number of sponsors off if we picked any of them up. And with a young crop of players, what message does that send to them?
:lol come on. I recall vividly the early calls back then.
Now to your comment. Is that what Blakey has done? I haven't read that, but i ask you one thing and one thing only. Did the woman consent to this being done?
lets say and its a fair assumption that the woman allowed this on her body. While i find it weird and disgusting its probably normal play out there in those circles.
No one will care in 6 months. He will bounce back and be better for it 100%. Is it worse than Careys and Pickets antics, Balta, or even that slime Milne if you want to go back that far. No its not.
All players played on and Blakey will have MULTIPLE clubs lining up for him. I hope we are one of them.
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which one of the Sydney 5 would anyone take here. Heeney is a no for obvious reasons (age) and i think he should stay anyway and fix that club up.
I would take Blakey in a heartbeat. Blakey and Butters sounds good to me.
Surely at least 3 leave.
As I posted on the other thread
I wouldn't be taking any of them. Why? because each player even though are not the person under investigation for the alleged sexual assault were on the room and allegedly did nothing to stop what was taking place. They may not end up being charged but they are still guilty.
So taking on any of them by extension is condoning their behaviour. Happy to call it guilty by association
Don't give poo if anyone agrees or not.
Your entitled to an opinion, even though its wrong.
WP you passed judgement on our greatest player to ever play for the RFC before you uncovered the facts. Why would you go there again?
i think those who are found guilty shouldn't be held in the same light as others who were merely present.
Either way for me Blakey would be a great get and exactly what we need. He can teach our kids what not to do now off field.
We took Pickett on ffs or have you forgotten? Lets give the kid a second chance.
Not sure WP ever passed judgment on Dusty and I think he has been clear on that on a number of occasions.
Anyway, I think the harm to our reputation would be nearly be as bad the harm caused to Sydney’s if we picked up one the five players involved. Sexual assault charges proven or not, paying a woman to snort cocaine off her body would most certainly put a number of sponsors off if we picked any of them up. And with a young crop of players, what message does that send to them?
:lol come on. I recall vividly the early calls back then.
Now to your comment. Is that what Blakey has done? I haven't read that, but i ask you one thing and one thing only. Did the woman consent to this being done?
lets say and its a fair assumption that the woman allowed this on her body. While i find it weird and disgusting its probably normal play out there in those circles.
No one will care in 6 months. He will bounce back and be better for it 100%. Is it worse than Careys and Pickets antics, Balta, or even that slime Milne if you want to go back that far. No its not.
All players played on and Blakey will have MULTIPLE clubs lining up for him. I hope we are one of them.
Geez you are so predictable and TBBH pathetic >:(. My opinion isnt wrong because you dont agree with it.
I was wondering how long it would take for you to bring up Dusty and chopsticks. You have constantly posted (read LIED) about what I said at the time. On that topic you have accused me of saying that Dusty should have been sacked. That is a lie, I never said that! I said that he should have copped a hefty suspension for being so blind drunk during pre-season that he couldn't remember what he did and that if the allegations were proven to be true than the penalty should increase. At no time despite your baseless claims did I ever suggest he should be sacked. So stop lying
Now to your defence of Blakey, what he has done? It was alleged he was on the room. Actually his Club has confirmed he was in the room. Do you get that? He was there and if someting happened that leads to someone being charged then he it would be reasonable to assume he did nothing to stop what was happening. Or do you not think that is a fair assumption
Now you further defend him by saying "did the women consent to this being done". Consent to what, the alleged cocaine on the bodies bit that the media are running with? What does it matter, again there is an investigation going on that that clearly suggests that more than that happened. You do get that don't you?
That you suggest that no one will care in 6 months and that he will "be better for it" is the exact reason why this is so serious and people should care.
And it is worse than Balta’s incident? Yep 100 times worse. Is it worse than Carey's depending on which one of his you are talking about but he's it is. The only one it isn't worse than is Milne and any one with half a brain would know why but this certainly comes pretty close.
And you want to know why? Because it is now 2026 and this crap (violence against women) is still happening at levels far worse than the last 40 years.
So if you think giving this bloke or any of the others another chance is the right thing to do then good for you.
As a woman I sit here and think your thinking is part of the wider problem. You simply dont get it
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I still think we should wait for the facts to come out. I get the emotion and it’s illegal to use drugs but logic tells me just because your in the room doesn’t mean your guilty.
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I still think we should wait for the facts to come out. I get the emotion and it’s illegal to use drugs but logic tells me just because your in the room doesn’t mean your guilty.
:cheers :cheers :cheers
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I still think we should wait for the facts to come out. I get the emotion and it’s illegal to use drugs but logic tells me just because your in the room doesn’t mean your guilty.
When it comes to charges and court dates, i agree. But that logic doesn’t apply to the work place and to a players contract.
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Jimmy Bartel has explained how the Cats can land Zak Butters, Toby Greene and Rowan Marshall.
https://www.3aw.com.au/how-geelong-could-pull-off-a-triple-trade-heist/
- Tyson Stengle gone
- Dangerfield and Cameron on less
- Stewart still on good money but not on peak dollar anymore.
- Lots of players who were late picks who are on lesser money
- For Butters, Richmond can better facilitate a deal via picks but Geelong can offer player(s) & picks.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast youtube show tonight:
* We are chasing Noah Anderson next year. Not a lock but we are going after him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHk_wr5PNGE
Anderson admits the Suns felt like they were a “dead carcass being picked at” this year. But why he is keen to re-sign. “Listen, I hope that my performances and the way I have handled myself have shown that this is the footy club I want to be at and although it’s been a difficult year I am super motivated by the coaches and group and club as a whole. That they really find value in me and I find value in them.”
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2090927390163935725
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQSzFPtaUAAkSBf?format=jpg&name=small)
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2090993044858573087
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Port are seemingly tanking against Essendon.
We will have the number 1 pick to pass on to a certain South Australian club .
It’s happening !!!!
It may be so obvious the AFL might investigate
Dont agree.
i dont understand how there is any different between pick 1 and 2 for them?
port will match any bid for DC. There is no standout player in the open draft.
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Noooo
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Port are seemingly tanking against Essendon.
We will have the number 1 pick to pass on to a certain South Australian club .
It’s happening !!!!
It may be so obvious the AFL might investigate
Dont agree.
i dont understand how there is any different between pick 1 and 2 for them?
port will match any bid for DC. There is no standout player in the open draft.
The theory is we would trade them pick 1 allowing them to take the best player in the open draft and then they would match a bid for Cochrane after that. So they would essentially get the 2 best players in the draft.
Now with Essendon at pick 1 they’ll bid on Cochrane and ports next 2 picks after that will be absorbed by matching.
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The changing of the guard at GWS. Stringer gone, Kingsley concedes Hogan gone too. Kieren Briggs more likely to move to a club like Richmond on a 4 year deal. The kids are taking over. Wrote on Tuesday about how it is the perfect excuse for Toby Greene to depart if he wants to chase a flag. Decision time looms as Geelong and Essendon push hard
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2091290880259100975
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Out-of-contract Power star Zak Butters has jetted back to Adelaide ahead of his exit interview, which is likely for tomorrow [ed. now today] at Alberton.
Understand Geelong is ahead of Richmond at this stage.
Sources believe negotiations this week could determine what club can best satisfy Port Adelaide.
@willcrouch9 spoke with him a short time ago:
@FootyonNine
https://x.com/bradeningram/status/2091487181093408930
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I hope yze has a plan b, C and D in FA or he is finished. I have never thoughts would come to us and nothing has happened to change my mind.
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If Butters requests Geelong we should bid on Cochrane and Walker. Stuff both clubs.
No idea htf Geelong would get it done.
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If Butters requests Geelong we should bid on Cochrane and Walker. Stuff both clubs.
No idea htf Geelong would get it done.
We won't need to mate. Dons will bid on one and we will bid on the other (walker)
We can only get max 1 extra compo each.
Cats well they do have players which everyone seems to ignore. We don't. I also think the loyalty crap is overrated. Once the season is over it's everyone for themselves.
Let's see how it plays out, but you can put your whole savings on the line that the cats won't receive any draft penalty for that concussion fiasco. :shh
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Hmmm dunno FJ. Clubs with P1 have a tendency to take another player, rather than bid. It's literally happened once only - 2020 with JUH.
Some sort of sentiment/prestige about making their player #1.
I would bid on both just to hurt their draft hands, myself, compo or not.
And yes I agree re: Kolojazznig and his concussion stuff haha. They'll be investigated and cleared of wrongdoing etc :)
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I have thought long and hard about this off season which I believe will be the most important for the club since 2016.
On the one hand, we kinda cannot lose - lose out on Butters and we can concentrate on another lot of draft picks - 2,20,21 will most likely spit out some handy players plus Tanner Armstrong.
On the other hand, picking up Butters, Hogan and Briggs instantly improves our team and, coupled with a proper high performance person gives us an improved availability of players going into next year.
That puts the spotlight on the coach which is where the spotlight belongs (also the ceo who pops up like a sprinkler head but disappears just as quickly).
I have enjoyed Oozes reign at times - the ball movement has been ok when opposition are ordinary or playing well below are best.
The reality is we are miles behind the rest of the competition right now and need a circuit breaker which can only be in the recruiting.
If that doesn’t come off perhaps we need to rip off the Yze bandaid and try to get a real coach like Longmire or Simpson.
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Recycled coaches aren’t the answer, there have been numerous examples of that. Unless it’s as a stop gap to get us through the trenches for a few years but no1 will come on for that role.
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It's official – Zak Butters has informed Port Adelaide he will be exercising his free agency rights to return to Victoria.
He hasn't nominated a preferred club amid record offers from Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Collingwood.
- Callum Twomey
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2091730721807466924
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In a video statement, Butters said he felt it was time for him to move back to Victoria to spend more time with his family and friends after eight years in South Australia.
"Although I've loved my time in Adelaide and everything the city's given to me and the football club's given to me, I feel like 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 and cherish their moments with them," he said.
He thanked his coaches, teammates and the broader club for taking a chance on "a skinny kid from Darley that had no shoulders".
"I'll always be a Port Adelaide person. I'll always value this club and what it's done for me," he said.
Butters has not yet nominated a club, with Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Collingwood all chasing his services across this year.
All have made club-record offers to Butters, with his move to a rival as hotly contested as any of the major trade moves this century, including Chris Judd's trade from West Coast to Carlton at the end of 2007.
As a restricted free agent, Port can match a bid on Butters and strike a trade. The Power have been adamant they would take that path with the superstar midfielder rather than accept a free agency compensation pick – which would be pick No.5 – under the free agency model.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594878/zak-butters-informs-port-adelaide-of-free-agency-call-as-victorian-clubs-circle
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Club statement: Zak Butters
By portadelaidefc.com.au
Aug 24, 2026, 1:50 pm
Port Adelaide has been informed by Zak Butters and his management that he intends to exercise his rights as a restricted free agent and explore a return home to Victoria.
Zak has been an outstanding servant to the football club since debuting in 2019. He is a three-time John Cahill Medallist and dual All-Australian and we thank him for everything he has given to Port Adelaide.
The club will now work to facilitate the best outcome for Port Adelaide through this process.
https://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2111472/
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Zak Butters on his decision to return to Victoria, via Port Adelaide.
VIDEO: https://x.com/DavidZita1/status/2091741727078175095
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Hmmm dunno FJ. Clubs with P1 have a tendency to take another player, rather than bid. It's literally happened once only - 2020 with JUH.
Some sort of sentiment/prestige about making their player #1.
I would bid on both just to hurt their draft hands, myself, compo or not.
And yes I agree re: Kolojazznig and his concussion stuff haha. They'll be investigated and cleared of wrongdoing etc :)
Its a cost to the player you draft if you want to put it that way. If you bid at 1 and the club matches, the player you take does not get the money etc and yes prestige even of being taken there.
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Hmmm dunno FJ. Clubs with P1 have a tendency to take another player, rather than bid. It's literally happened once only - 2020 with JUH.
Some sort of sentiment/prestige about making their player #1.
I would bid on both just to hurt their draft hands, myself, compo or not.
And yes I agree re: Kolojazznig and his concussion stuff haha. They'll be investigated and cleared of wrongdoing etc :)
Other years are different mate. The extra pick at the end of R1 is incentive to bid on Cochran or walker.
Members would throw another load of manure if they let that pick go.
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Hmmm dunno FJ. Clubs with P1 have a tendency to take another player, rather than bid. It's literally happened once only - 2020 with JUH.
Some sort of sentiment/prestige about making their player #1.
I would bid on both just to hurt their draft hands, myself, compo or not.
And yes I agree re: Kolojazznig and his concussion stuff haha. They'll be investigated and cleared of wrongdoing etc :)
Other years are different mate. The extra pick at the end of R1 is incentive to bid on Cochran or walker.
Members would throw another load of manure if they let that pick go.
Agree FJ
New year and new rules
If Essendon doesn’t bid on Cochrane, they should close the club down for incompetence.
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If Butters requests Geelong we should bid on Cochrane and Walker. Stuff both clubs.
No idea htf Geelong would get it done.
Essendon have pick 1 they will bid on Cochrane he is the best player in the draft.
They dont owe us a thing i think if they go on rankings then Walker will be bid on by them.
They need a ruckman badly and i think HV-H will go at pick 3. If not HV-H then i think Drever is only behind the first two.
Sheesh i will be peeed off if this happens. If Drever goes to Essendon then i think we will take HV-H.
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Pies ruled out. Down to us, doggies and cats.
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Pies ruled out. Down to us, doggies and cats.
It leaves Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs all chasing the three-time best and fairest winner.
Butters is favouring the Cats but all clubs are conscious of how a trade gets done, with his management not yet committing to one club as they look through the options to make a deal happen.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594973
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Agree on all points.
So it may look like:
1. Cochrane (Port matched bid)
2. HVH (Dons)
3. Walker (Carlscum matched bid)
4. Drever (Tiges)
I'd be OK with this.
Hit the draft if Butters wants the quiet life at TPPcheat-long.
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Agree on all points.
So it may look like:
1. Cochrane (Port matched bid)
2. HVH (Dons)
3. Walker (Carlscum matched bid)
4. Drever (Tiges)
I'd be OK with this.
Hit the draft if Butters wants the quiet life at TPPcheat-long.
all good and well Andy, but we are the new north if we just pin our hopes on kids.
We need some star power or some very good FA.
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If Butters turned around & nominated us as his choice of club I'd question his mental state! Why would any player choose us if there was any other choice?
Go to the club who can do any deal they want & don't bother lodging any paperwork with the AFL (since your new club will get away it regardless of the details), enjoy your hobby farm, your hobby horse & your hobby contract for $50b per year for the next 95 years ... (nothing to see here ... ) :whistle.
Stick to the members wing of their cheat ground in front of the hordes of well-to-do members & you will be looked after for the rest of your days like Dangerflog is ... back pats & beers all round ... :cheers
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Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs all have NINE-year deals on the table for Zak Butters. That would take him through to 2035.
Butters favouring Cats but no nominated club as all work through trade offers and options for Port Adelaide.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2091824118278828492
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The only reasons I can think of him not actually nominating a single club yet is because it’s cats/dogs and he’s waiting for them to finish their season, or, he’s not confident cats/dogs can agree a trade with port so he’s keeping other clubs on the line while he’s actually preferred club speaks to port about the trade.
Defs feels like we’re the backup plan because we can easily trade with port. The pay day from us would just be a juicy extra.
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Ok McClure thinks it's geelong.
Logically, it's down to richmond and the dogs.
https://x.com/Cal_UpTheTigs/status/2091865252375965776
;D
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@FJ
I'm torn. Butters just feels a bit to me like an 'all in one basket' idea. I'd be very happy to get him, but I also wonder if we could spend the money on two other very good players as well. Zac Bailey at Lions apparently fielding offers at 1.5m/year. Absolute jet, that guy.
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@FJ
I'm torn. Butters just feels a bit to me like an 'all in one basket' idea. I'd be very happy to get him, but I also wonder if we could spend the money on two other very good players as well. Zac Bailey at Lions apparently fielding offers at 1.5m/year. Absolute jet, that guy.
or lets get Dan Rioli back for less money. :shh
we need min 2 or 3 FA to be any chance at 6 plus wins. Briggs whats he going to do? Replace Nank when he needs a break or retires.
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Sam Edmund this morning saying it's between Geelong & Bulldogs with us in third.
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2092058124928843814
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Departing Power star Zak Butters says he’s going through a range of emotions as he decides on his next club. Off to Melbourne to collect his third All-Australian jacket @7NewsAdelaide @7AFL
https://x.com/7NewsAdelaide/status/2092074664952791471
https://x.com/Tom_Wilson7/status/2092060722440372621
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Seriously Gents.. on what planet do you think the cats or dogs can get this deal done? ?
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Seriously Gents.. on what planet do you think the cats or dogs can get this deal done? ?
On what planet is he worth our first pick and sacrifice of the end of first round pick
Plus more
Go to the draft Tigers
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Seriously Gents.. on what planet do you think the cats or dogs can get this deal done? ?
On what planet is he worth our first pick and sacrifice of the end of first round pick
Plus more
Go to the draft Tigers
I think they’ll have to as butters prefers either of the other 2 unless they can’t strike a deal with port which is why he’s leaving us on the line.
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If he is not 100% committed to the Tigers ie he wants Geelong but they can't do a deal we should pull the offer.
Go to the draft instead
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Seriously Gents.. on what planet do you think the cats or dogs can get this deal done? ?
On what planet is he worth our first pick and sacrifice of the end of first round pick
Plus more
Go to the draft Tigers
The list, the coaching, the high performance are all ass Damo.
We have to do something other than go exclusively to the draft again.
I am personally all in on getting Butters, Hogan and Briggs to just try and get ourselves up and to 6-8 wins before really go after free agency next year with something to actually sell.
The way we are going we will end up losing these players drafted in 2024.
Having said that, there is no way Butters will join a basket case like Richmond - we couldn’t even attract Malcolm Rosas last year - that is how bad we are going.
I personally think we are in crisis mode but noone realises it.
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Butters is touring Geelong tomorrow will nominate the cats Friday you can take that to the bank…
You can take that to the bank touring tomorrow physical and will confirm to the world Friday…
No media has gone with it this, I won’t divulge but take it to the bank and you think Butters sitting with Smith Dempsey tonight is not a coincidence???!!!
https://x.com/easter118/status/2092167872227504393
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQjvc3JakAA76og?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/BazDarty/status/2092185312995004523
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If he goes to Cats the comp.is just a corrupt bunch of rubbish. No way can they afford anything close to what Rich or Coll have offered. So yet of course outside cap.payments, farms, girlfriend jobs etc.
He either goes for money, or he goes for success and home factor in Dogs. Dogs would be top 6 easily if Darcy was fit. Better list then Geelong, don't give me Geelong is the flag option.
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All depends how ugly it gets.
Cats and Dogs have SFA capital to trade.
Port have said they will match any offer and force a trade, therefore they will want to deal with us.
We are offering the most money, and Butters says he wants to go back to VIC.
So we're in the box seat, whether or not he nominates us.
Otherwise, he can refuse the trade and nominate for the ND or PSD, in which case he risks going to Essendrug or gets picked up by us anyway. We have no financial constraints. So if he genuinely wants Port compensated then he'll let them trade with us rather than burn them via ND/PSD.
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Geelong will offer average players and average picks , they will pay unders and get away with it as they have in the past unless Butters is serious about fair compensation or Port dig their heals in as they did once before.
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All depends how ugly it gets.
Cats and Dogs have SFA capital to trade.
Port have said they will match any offer and force a trade, therefore they will want to deal with us.
We are offering the most money, and Butters says he wants to go back to VIC.
So we're in the box seat, whether or not he nominates us.
Otherwise, he can refuse the trade and nominate for the ND or PSD, in which case he risks going to Essendrug or gets picked up by us anyway. We have no financial constraints. So if he genuinely wants Port compensated then he'll let them trade with us rather than burn them via ND/PSD.
what happens if they dont match :shh
they can make other trades with geelong that increases their hand. No match and that is pick 5 to them as a starting point.
then they can bid on a father son and pick up another end of first round?
they could end up with 4, 5 and another end of first.
I personally think if they dont get players back then they wont match.
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Funny seeing some of the crying from Port supporters about Butters leaving and shafting the club, despite them trading in JHF lmao
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Zak Butters isn't giving anything away.
"Bont or Bailey Smith?
Chris Scott or Luke Beveridge?
Aaron Naughton or Jeremy Cameron?!"
Browny put on his journo hat and tried to break the biggest story of the trade period...
And he did get Zak Butters to admit one club he WON'T be joining!
VIDEO: https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2092220076745515028
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast show still reckons Butters is 99% coming to Richmond.
Said it's between us and Geelong. Bulldogs out like Collingwood.
The host Chris also said the AFL allocates seats at the All-Australian (so in other words the AFL put Butters on the Geelong table). Rumour has it Butters' manager wasn't happy about it because it's something else they will have to cop media questions about.
Tiger71 mentioned Adidas too. Sees the club tying the two announcements together as Butters is with Adidas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuLRnjLFeUA
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"Zak Butters has his eyes on Geelong… the Western Bulldogs and Richmond are still in the hunt.”
@CalTwomey discusses the race for Zak Butters after he informed Port Adelaide he will depart the club.
Watch @gettable_afl
https://x.com/AFL/status/2092412343770604017
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The GIANTS will farewell Jesse Hogan, after the key forward was not offered a contract for the 2027 season.
https://x.com/GWSGIANTS/status/2092167631210246322
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Who would say no to this deal?
See the best case and most realistic trade scenarios for the wantaway Port star.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQovzb8a8AAAI42?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/codeaflau/status/2092537712016568748
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What Port Adelaide can get in return for wantaway star Zak Butters
Zak Butters is set to leave for Victoria, but what can the Power get in return? See the best case and most realistic offers from the Cats, Dogs and Tigers as the race for the superstar continues.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson and Josh Barnes
HeradSun
August 26, 2026
GEELONG
BEST CASE
Power get: Top-10 pick (through another club), Geelong 2027 R1, Geelong 2028 R1, Jay Polkinghorne
Cats get: Zak Butters, 2026 R2
MOST REALISTIC
Power get: Geelong 2026 R1, Geelong 2026 R2, Geelong 2027 R1, Geelong 2028 R1
Cats get: Zak Butters, Port Adelaide 2026 R3
No doubt a trade with Geelong is the least enticing of Port Adelaide’s options come October.
The Cats have built a recent reputation of playing hard ball, often not budging on an early offer and rarely working on other deals to improve their trade hand.
That would make things particularly sticky for Port Adelaide
.
The most likely offer from Kardinia Park to Alberton would be built around the three first rounders the Cats can trade.
But this year’s pick sits now at No.14, could fall back if the Cats go deep into September and will definitely be forced back by draft night bids.
Next year’s first would most likely be well past the No.20 mark given Tasmania’s looming presence and the fact the Cats would then have Zak Butters in their team, and you couldn’t expect 2028’s pick to improve by much.
Geelong has drafted a player inside the top-10 once since Joel Selwood in 2006 – that was Jhye Clark in 2022 and that pick landed in Geelong’s lap after a Gold Coast salary dump.
Geelong generally doesn’t finish in a position to draft in the top-10 and that spells trouble for the Power.
Ideally, the Cats would get to work finding a way to land a top-10 pick to flip to the Power for Butters.
Could they throw in a young talent like the bright Jay Polkinghorne?
He is a very impressive young key forward from country SA.
That sounds nice but history says the Cats don’t put those kind of offers on the table.
Remember, Geelong traded picks 13, 15, 20 and a future fourth rounder for Jeremy Cameron and two second-round selections.
The Cats also gave up Dean Gore, pick 9 and 28 for Patrick Dangerfield and pick 50.
Picks 17 and 38 was enough for the Cats to land Bailey Smith and pick 45.
So as much as people expect Butters to be worth a handful of top-end selections, Geelong has a track record of getting their guys without throwing out massive trade packages.
RICHMOND
BEST CASE
Power get: Richmond 2026 R1 (No.2), Richmond 2027 R1, Richmond 2028 R2
Tigers get: Zak Butters, 2026 R2
MOST REALISTIC
Power get: Richmond 2026 R1 (No.2), Richmond 2026 R2
Tigers get: Zak Butters
If the Power could choose a location for Butters itself, the Tigers would be short-priced favourites.
They have the No.2 pick in this year’s draft that the Power could use to help it bring potential No. 1 pick Dougie Cochrane to Alberton as a NGA product.
And given the Tigers probably won’t soar up the ladder next year, even with Butters in yellow and black, their 2027 draft pick would help the Power land Zemes Pilot or Louis Salopek in the compromised Tasmania draft.
The Tigers also have some young players that could help the Power.
Port Adelaide will surely ask the question of the South Australian talent at the Tigers, including No.7 pick Sam Cumming.
He is exactly what the Power needs, a gun young midfielder who has already spent time at Alberton as part of the AFL Academy.
But as we have seen, clubs are far too hesitant to give up something to bring something through the door these days.
So while Cumming would be an outstanding get for the Power, it is far more likely one of his fellow South Australians teammates like Liam Fawcett or midfielder Kane McAuliffe.
Luke Beveridge has taken a subtle swipe at Jack Riewoldt over the continual chase of Zak Butters.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
BEST CASE
Power get: Western Bulldogs 2026 R1, Western Bulldogs 2027 R1, Western Bulldogs 2026 R2, Joel Freijah
Bulldogs get: Zak Butters, Port Adelaide 2027 R2
MOST REALISTIC
Power get: Western Bulldogs 2026 R1, Western Bulldogs 2027 R1, Western Bulldogs 2028 R2, Western Bulldogs 2026 R2
Bulldogs get: Zak Butters, Port Adelaide 2026 R3
So long seen as the frontrunners for Butters, who grew up supporting the club, the Bulldogs will be hoping they can get back into contention now that the superstar has informed the Power of his desire to return home.
The Dogs offer would likely be similar to what the Cats would fax through, but their picks could be better.
As for any players who could be involved, there has been some chat in South Australia that Joel Freijah could be involved but surely the Dogs don’t give up a young star in the making like him – even though he would be perfect for the Power.
Bailey Williams is an SA boy, but turns 29 in October, so doesn’t really fit the Power’s timeline.
Arthur Jones is out of contract and would add to the Power’s forward line, but Brisbane are among those interested in the Bulldog – as a contingency plan if Zac Bailey leaves – so could Port convince him to spurn an offer from the Lions?
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/what-can-port-adelaide-get-in-return-for-wantaway-star-zak-butters/news-story/6360d93160970d09f9ce021fcdd28405
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That would also cost us a bid and another end of 1st
Effective P2 + P20 + P21 before slides in the last uncompromised draft before Tas.
Not to be understated how valuable those picks are
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Dogs apparently increased butters money
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Dogs offer is close to $17 million over the nine years.
Record offer from the club but still behind Richmond's money on the table for Zak Butters. Never been a money-dictated call.
- Callum Twomey
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2092781955490390193
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Tiger71 on X/twitter
Hold on, lets not rewrite history mate. All along you [Twomey] have barely mentioned the tigers, you and your media friends all had cats dogs and pies clear in front of them. Now pies out, dogs lift there offer so clearly third in the group trying to get back in.
----
Yeah, [Dogs] trying to buy back in. Proves the rubbish it was between dogs and cats as tigers have not needed to do that. Butters management knows tigers is the place he can easily get a deal done and look after port, the other two clubs will struggle to do that. Still super confident
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603
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I mean they’ve consistently said all year that it’s cats, dogs and tigers. It was pies who came late to the party. Not sure what he’s bitching about but hopefully he applies the same logic to his own reporting that he’s 99% coming to Richmond if/when he nominates the others
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Sam Edmund also reported Butters would consider not nominating a specific club, and taking into account which of his Victorian suitors could do the best deal for Port Adelaide’s purposes.
That would likely give Richmond a much greater chance of signing the superstar given they hold Pick 2 in the draft, while the Bulldogs’ pick is likely to be a mid-round pick and the Cats’ will be even later.
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2092878530983993519
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Sam Edmund also reported Butters would consider not nominating a specific club, and taking into account which of his Victorian suitors could do the best deal for Port Adelaide’s purposes.
That would likely give Richmond a much greater chance of signing the superstar given they hold Pick 2 in the draft, while the Bulldogs’ pick is likely to be a mid-round pick and the Cats’ will be even later.
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2092878530983993519
edmond has nfi to even suggest butters would do that.
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Ridiculous frankie
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Josh Barnes answers footy's biggest questions
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQt5ZMvaUAAopH1?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/codeaflau/status/2092900099458580746
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i think the go home local factor to dogs is overdone. Why the fk would he want to play for darley let alone live in that area.
Its all about cash and secondary picks to port. if it wasn't then how are dogs back level pegging.
I hope he chooses dogs, though i feel he wont.
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Nice team if they get butters and have a good injury run
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Cornes: Are the Dogs getting too desperate with their offers to Zak Butters?
@SENBreakfast
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2093122639355342906
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Only want him if he really wants to be a Tiger. Not just because we can satisfy Port.
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Zak Butters is growing to the thought of being a Tiger next year as he looks to realise it being the only way a trade gets done.
If it was an unrestricted F.A situation, he would favour the Cats.
I’m expected Butters to be a Tiger.
#AFL #BUTTERS #TIGERS #CATS
https://x.com/An6u3Media/status/2093222121610862922
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Not good
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more bs.
i dont buy it.
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Soooooo hypothetically
If we get Butters, Taranto in the guts, where does that leave K Mac2, Ross, Sonsie etc
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Arthur Jones just tore it up. Out of contract at the dogs, would be a big improvement at small forward for us. Apparently Brisbane and bombers are into him.
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Soooooo hypothetically
If we get Butters, Taranto in the guts, where does that leave K Mac2, Ross, Sonsie etc
Squeezed out by Lalor and Cumming is where they’ll be left.
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Soooooo hypothetically
If we get Butters, Taranto in the guts, where does that leave K Mac2, Ross, Sonsie etc
Squeezed out by Lalor and Cumming is where they’ll be left.
Survival of the fittest..,,
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Ross only played about 50% Mid time.
Our only proper mids by CBAs : TT. Nank. Hops
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Scott Pendlebury will join Gold Coast
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Soooooo hypothetically
If we get Butters, Taranto in the guts, where does that leave K Mac2, Ross, Sonsie etc
McA, Ross, Hotton along with Drever hopefully but i will put Butters here , would join Taranto Cumming lalor and Smillie to make up the 7 or 8 midfield rotations that all clubs have on game day.
It still leaves the reserves team basically without any afl listed mids to develop, cover injury and put pressure on incumbents.
If we get him we get him i just think its too early to be trading out of another draft we just dont have the depth or players in the right age /games bracket.
I don't want Butters to help us go from last to 10th, when we get a player like him it has to be to challenge for a flag.
Anyway i dont think he will come to us because imo he will want success straight away he may as well stay at Port than come to us if its immediate success he is after.
He turns 26 in a week or so i really dont think he is gunna want to leave it until he is 30 or so which remains the sort of time frame we are on imo of course.
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Right but you've named 4 elite prospects in the senior 23 as mids. 20 years old or younger and excluded Samuel Grlj.
+ McAuliffe 21.
+ Ross 25.
The reserves would be NTR and tanner Armstrong.
Not ideal but you keep insisting you want prestia and hopper there.
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Scott Pendlebury will play for Gold Coast in 2027.
Pendlebury has agreed to a two-year playing deal - which will take him beyond the age of 40 - then a two-year assistant coach role at Gold Coast.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/08/28/scott-pendlebury-gold-coast-suns-trade-collingwood-veteran-contract
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Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains has given the latest update on the club’s pursuit of Zak Butters, saying they are all in on bringing him to the Kennel.
While the CEO did dismiss some of the reporting in recent days, he did reiterate their interest.
“The accuracy of some of those reports and timing and things like that, I'm not sure if…well, I'm sure they're not 100% right,” Bains told AFL Nation.
“In terms of Zak, he's obviously indicated he wants to come home.
“We've been someone as a club who has been open about an interest in him if he were to do that.”
With Butters being a restricted free agent, Port Adelaide can and will match any offer any of the three clubs makes, which forces the preferred club to make a trade.
And with the Port Adelaide star only indicating he wants to return to Victoria as of yet, Bains notes it’s realistic that without him nominating, he could be at any of the three clubs.
“As we understand it, that's a realistic chance,” he continued.
“I think he's still working through his decision as to where he wants to go, and that's what's been conveyed to us.
“One aspect that is important, particularly from his management group's perspective, is a club being able to get a deal done if, as Port have indicated, they match the bid, so that'll be a consideration.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/08/29/afl-2026-ameet-bains-speaks-on-the-western-bulldogs-interest-in-zak-butters
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Ken has his say on how the Butters' negotiations might play out...
#CrunchTime
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HQ21vi0bEAA8kvW?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2093529317817090169
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In a world of Buddy, Gaz, Judd, Hodge, Mitchell,, Lewis, Neale, Dangerfield and now Pendles and Butters moving clubs and not being a one club player.
I'm so glad our superstars all all one club players. Richmond men.
The greatest of all time Dusty and our captain courageous Cotch. Chuck in Jack and even Rance. No splitting legacy. Just Richmond jumpers. I'm sad they didn't play longer for us but he I'm glad they didn't cash in on playing 1-2 years with another club. Especially Dusty. Get in the bin Collingwood fans. Lost a final and your greatest ever player in 60 minutes. What a pity. Dog up ya. #Tigs
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I don't want us giving up pick 2, but the Bulldogs winning on Friday night at least pushes their first rounder further back as far as a Butters trade offering.
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Right but you've named 4 elite prospects in the senior 23 as mids. 20 years old or younger and excluded Samuel Grlj.
+ McAuliffe 21.
+ Ross 25.
The reserves would be NTR and tanner Armstrong.
Not ideal but you keep insisting you want prestia and hopper there.
Lol. Grlj the last time i looked is our most promising h/b and when you look at the quality of whats left it would border on madness to move him to a wing.
Are you saying you don't want our elite prospects playing because they are too young. Sheesh thats as dumb as i have heard.
Elite prospects Taranto he is an elite inside mid and he can play fwd. Criticism is pace.Thats fine hes inside.
What you don't want to see Cumming, Hotton, Drever ? Lalor, Smillie in the 23 and get games who the eff are you going to play in their place. Can i have some of those drugs you have to be on.
Oh deary me Yep i forgot about poor old Hopper and Prestia has retired. So in the magoos we would have just Hopper.
So you don't want some leadership and experience in the magoos i see better the magoos get belted all year eh.
We cannot play all of the gumboot brigade in the one team why is that so hard for you to comprehend fmd 8 year olds get it.
We are not paying Hopper out you do remember that outrageous 7 year deal he sucked them into. Again comprehension is not your strong suit.
So given we cant play all of the slowies at one time and given we are not a charity cannot pay Hopper out, Playing him in the reserves as a bit of depth cover and a teacher to what ever mids we get in is plain old common sense. Seems it is in short supply with you.
Please try to keep up from here on in its getting tedious having to spell everything out for you.
Im pretty sure i mentioned Ross, McA, Hotton and either Drever or Butters ( i dont believe Butters will come to us) to play alongside Taranto Cumming Smillie and Lalor. The cupboard is pretty bare for mids after fitting them all into our BEST 23.
You obviously disagree. Thats it though who plays when injuries inevitably hit who plays when form inevitably drops away Not Prestia or Hopper iyo. Who then? its not as if we are brimming over with backups who can play at the level.Nope we don't need more mids Butters will get us there.
Im pretty sure when all are available we will play 7 or 8 of the above which is what was said. I suppose you disagree with that as well.
In your deluded little world Zach Butters is going to take us to a g/f next year.
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"I feel like it is a lot of money on a very long term deal for someone that's just an inside mid."
Why Rory Sloane isn't convinced that the reports of $2m a season, nine year offers for Zak Butters are the right move.
#9AFLSFS
VIDEO: https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2093873185011716362
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Why Richmond CAN land Zak Butters | What we have that the other teams don't!
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZRpnyfvUlEb_jdmJwJjLAAsF5y4DwxfzJots-hIy0CkyQjB-7cZntxbI1&s=10) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2xotfkts3o)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2xotfkts3o
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Butters would need his head read if he came to RFC.
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Butters would need his head read if he came to RFC.
he wont be coming so we need not worry about it.
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Right but you've named 4 elite prospects in the senior 23 as mids. 20 years old or younger and excluded Samuel Grlj.
+ McAuliffe 21.
+ Ross 25.
The reserves would be NTR and tanner Armstrong.
Not ideal but you keep insisting you want prestia and hopper there.
Lol. Grlj the last time i looked is our most promising h/b and when you look at the quality of whats left it would border on madness to move him to a wing.
Are you saying you don't want our elite prospects playing because they are too young. Sheesh thats as dumb as i have heard.
Elite prospects Taranto he is an elite inside mid and he can play fwd. Criticism is pace.Thats fine hes inside.
What you don't want to see Cumming, Hotton, Drever ? Lalor, Smillie in the 23 and get games who the eff are you going to play in their place. Can i have some of those drugs you have to be on.
Oh deary me Yep i forgot about poor old Hopper and Prestia has retired. So in the magoos we would have just Hopper.
So you don't want some leadership and experience in the magoos i see better the magoos get belted all year eh.
We cannot play all of the gumboot brigade in the one team why is that so hard for you to comprehend fmd 8 year olds get it.
We are not paying Hopper out you do remember that outrageous 7 year deal he sucked them into. Again comprehension is not your strong suit.
So given we cant play all of the slowies at one time and given we are not a charity cannot pay Hopper out, Playing him in the reserves as a bit of depth cover and a teacher to what ever mids we get in is plain old common sense. Seems it is in short supply with you.
Please try to keep up from here on in its getting tedious having to spell everything out for you.
Im pretty sure i mentioned Ross, McA, Hotton and either Drever or Butters ( i dont believe Butters will come to us) to play alongside Taranto Cumming Smillie and Lalor. The cupboard is pretty bare for mids after fitting them all into our BEST 23.
You obviously disagree. Thats it though who plays when injuries inevitably hit who plays when form inevitably drops away Not Prestia or Hopper iyo. Who then? its not as if we are brimming over with backups who can play at the level.Nope we don't need more mids Butters will get us there.
Im pretty sure when all are available we will play 7 or 8 of the above which is what was said. I suppose you disagree with that as well.
In your deluded little world Zach Butters is going to take us to a g/f next year.
No, I was getting at you've named 5 good-mid prospects. 20 years old and under . In your senior 23. Plus prob pick two or butters. You have said we are the youngest list. By the random metrics you choose.
That's not bad for fairly fresh off 3 flags. It's be nice to have 5 more in the vfl team but it's not going to be perfect straight away.
Grlj is a natural hbf now. If he gets near his potential he will be in the middle.
I appreciate you like saying 8 mids. But if you look at round 1 and last game it's closer to 5.
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"There are three clubs alive in this race (for Zak Butters) but two have become the clear frontrunners."
@CalTwomey and @JoshGabelich discuss the star midfielder's future on AFL Daily.
https://x.com/AFL/status/2094332292114330006
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Two clear frontrunners in the Zak Butters chase - Geelong, who he has favoured, and the Western Bulldogs, who have remained determined to stay in the fight after sensing they were falling behind in recent weeks.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2094347363519525334
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Word on today is that we're out of the race.
Sounds like he wants Geelong. The new Swines with their neverending capacity to find a way to pay premium players.
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If true not a bad thing with another wave of young talent coming in.
Makes one wonder however how they intend to reach the salary cap Minimum Floor requirements
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I’m not sure why we didn’t pull our offer long ago. Your offering an almost decade long contract worth more than 2mil a year, once it becomes clear that he prefers going to another club, that offer should be gone.
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Spot on, if he doesn’t want to come to us, pull the offer and find a few other good options. I hope Port play hardball and he can’t get a deal done with Geelong.
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I would have been OK either way - him coming (given our TPP situation) or hitting the draft.
But I do think it presents us an opportunity to target other good players. The Butters offer is enough for two 'best-in-any-23' sorts on 7-figure salaries.
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Bulldogs bite back in trade war for Zak Butters
By Sam Edmund
SEN
1 Sept 2026
The Western Bulldogs’ improved offer for Zak Butters has thrust them right back into the thick of the chase for the superstar free agent.
It comes as Richmond now sits a distant third in the pursuit of the Port Adelaide midfielder.
Butters has not yet told the Tigers they are out like he did Collingwood, but he will not pick them unless negotiations completely break down with the Dogs and Cats. And even that is considered all but impossible.
As reported by SEN last week, the Bulldogs last month presented a new and more lucrative contract for Butters having become aware Geelong was poised to secure the most prized signature of the exchange period.
Sources say the Dogs’ revised deal is so good it is almost on a par with Richmond’s huge and heavily front-ended proposal, albeit the Dogs can obviously structure their contract differently.
Further, the Bulldogs have workshopped trade packages internally and separately, made it clear that they will deal in good faith with the Power, who are hell-bent on maximising their return for Butters.
The ball is almost in Geelong’s court now to see what – if anything – they can come back with.
The Cats were the clear frontrunner a few weeks ago, but things have tightened again a month out from the opening of the AFL’s free agency window.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/09/01/afl-trade-zak-butters-western-bulldogs-or-geelong
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Don't think we should take him if it's a last resort.....need players who want to be at the club, not there just for the $$$.
Let's do what he is doing.....string him along till the last minute and then bail for a better option elsewhere :banghead
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I am now comfortable to hit the draft knowing we have done to the Bulldogs what the Pies did to us with Tom Lynch. They will have no money and we should be hot footing it after Archie Jones who fills an immediate list need
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I am now comfortable to hit the draft knowing we have done to the Bulldogs what the Pies did to us with Tom Lynch. They will have no money and we should be hot footing it after Archie Jones who fills an immediate list need
Yeah. Richmond forcing the price up is a good thing. Not sure why people are so stressed.
More so if we are a good team in 3 years.
You never know we might still get him
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What are Geelong and WB going to offer Port?
3 first rounders, probably around 15-20 each year, in compromised drafts?
Port should tell them to gagf tbh.
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What are Geelong and WB going to offer Port?
3 first rounders, probably around 15-20 each year, in compromised drafts?
Port should tell them to gagf tbh.
They will be forced to trade out players for high draft picks, which ups the cost significantly.
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What are Geelong and WB going to offer Port?
3 first rounders, probably around 15-20 each year, in compromised drafts?
Port should tell them to gagf tbh.
They will be forced to trade out players for high draft picks, which ups the cost significantly.
Which is where we come in :cheers
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What are Geelong and WB going to offer Port?
3 first rounders, probably around 15-20 each year, in compromised drafts?
Port should tell them to gagf tbh.
They will be forced to trade out players for high draft picks, which ups the cost significantly.
Which is where we come in :cheers
Yep, I can’t see how Butters goes anywhere without us being involved.
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Q: Richmond distant 3rd in your opinion now?
Tiger71: Nope
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2094685136931729681
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Q: Richmond distant 3rd in your opinion now?
Tiger71: Nope
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2094685136931729681
Just 3rd
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Question for anyone. It were out of the running for Butters would you:
a. Pull out altogether and go to the draft
b. Swap pick 2 to Cats or Dogs for 2 of their best 22. Using the Dogs as an example Frejah and Jones
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I would have pulled the offer as soon as it become apparent that we were just being strung along as the third wheel and absolutely would not trade that pick for anything except extreme overs and certainly not to the cats or dogs.
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I would have pulled the offer as soon as it become apparent that we were just being strung along as the third wheel and absolutely would not trade that pick for anything except extreme overs and certainly not to the cats or dogs.
Agree
Trading pick two needs to be huge overs as there is the end first round compo to take into account
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@pmac,
I would like Freijah, but as the other have pointed out - trading P2 also means losing P20 also (equivalent) because then we can't bid or claim compo for sliding if Druggos bid.
So based on that, no.
As for the Cats trading out players to get P2 for Butters, well tbh I'd rather tell them to get stuffed, but if there's a way to screw them over in a trade I am keen as a bean
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The Cats are believed to have made their biggest-ever offer to a rival player with the deal in front of Zak Butters. Will he take it?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HRHwNcIbkAEYvhy?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/superfooty/status/2094719447747706942
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"I'm growing more and more of the view that pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package that will end up going to Port Adelaide."
@CalTwomey with the latest on Zak Butters' move.
#9FootyClassified
VIDEO: https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2094761514238607416
Twomey said we're a distant third albeit still in it. Butters is still deciding on which club to go to. The "feel" is Geelong is in front. That's why the Dogs upped their offer.
Luke Beveridge said his concern is around geography with Darley being Butters' hometown. Living in Williamstown versus Geelong/Bellarine Peninsula.
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast last night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsGCjyI78nk
* Still has us in front as we have the trade capital especially around picks for next year that Port need for their Father/Sons & NGAs.
* Richmond put a league high offer which all parties are happy with. We have never been asked to increase it. While the Bulldogs and Geelong are suddenly increasing theirs but it's still below ours.
* The media are talking rubbish. Why would we hang around if we were only a distant third choice (Tiger71 said his AFL contacts laughed at this stuff from Sam Edmund). The media are focused on thinking Butters wants instant success when he has never said that. Media also ignoring that Butters wants Port looked after given how they have helped him out personally in the past.
* Reckons we won't know until right up to the trade period. Waiting for the Dogs and Cats to finish their seasons and then put in their final offers to Port. Butters is happy to go to any of the three clubs. All depends on which can give Port the best deal. Right now, we have the best deal.
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"I'm growing more and more of the view that pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package that will end up going to Port Adelaide."
@CalTwomey with the latest on Zak Butters' move.
#9FootyClassified
VIDEO: https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2094761514238607416
:huh :huh
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Revealed. The Cats offer on Butters isn’t far short of $2m a season. There is a gap between the Dogs deal and Geelong but it’s well above $1.5m and clearly the biggest Cats offer ever. How do they afford him? Stengle moves on ($700K a year). No previous Nas, TDK, Reid-sized deals. Blicavs-Stewart jabs always played for less. Danger, Cameron in final seasons. Smith only only $700k or so right now. O’Sullivan on second year deal. Strict cap management.
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2094891907524841494
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So the afl give pick 5 to geelong. To give to port?
Why not :clapping
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https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/buttering-up-the-power-the-cat-and-dog-fight-to-land-an-afl-superstar-20260901-p60tgg.html
The media excluding us so saying the compo is what Port will get best from the Dogs or Cats
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So... it absolutely is blatant tampering.
they are openly documenting a total bypass of the AFL's own rules :
:lol
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i said this a while back. Port dont match and its pick 5 (compo) plus another compo.
cats virtually get him for free.
wild
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i said this a while back. Port dont match and its pick 5 (compo) plus another compo.
cats virtually get him for free.
wild
They can't get another compo pick.
Pick 5 doesn't exist if it's a trade.
institutionalized manipulation / cheating. Wild indeed
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i said this a while back. Port dont match and its pick 5 (compo) plus another compo.
cats virtually get him for free.
wild
They can't get another compo pick.
Pick 5 doesn't exist if it's a trade.
institutionalized manipulation / cheating. Wild indeed
of course it doesn't exist but what would port prefer. Pick 5 or pick 13-20 via trade? port will get a compo in any case.
if port want more i'm sure someone will do a deal with the cats.
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i said this a while back. Port dont match and its pick 5 (compo) plus another compo.
cats virtually get him for free.
wild
They can't get another compo pick.
Pick 5 doesn't exist if it's a trade.
institutionalized manipulation / cheating. Wild indeed
Yeah port can have pick 5 compo that's fine. As per the rules.
It's the making up extra magic compo picks that's insane
of course it doesn't exist but what would port prefer. Pick 5 or pick 13-20 via trade? port will get a compo in any case.
if port want more i'm sure someone will do a deal with the cats.
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Not sure what the tampering is. If butters wants to go to Geelong and port think the compo pick is better than what they can get from them in a trade then that’s what they’ll take.
So bombers bid on Cochrane at 1 which is worth 3000 points minus 10% academy discount brings it down to 2700. Port match using their pick 4 from finishing 14th + pick 5 from butters f/a compo which are worth 3757 points combined. That leaves them with 1057 points in surplus which is the equivalent of pick 14.
So overall Port will get Cochrane and Pick 14 for Butters.
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" pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package"
Without clear cheating it cannot be part of the package.
Cal Twomey is effectively reporting draft tampering.
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@TK,
They will get Cochrane and P14 in exchange for Butters and P4.
So it would look more like:
Pick 4 > Cochrane (paying unders)
Butters > Pick 5 (receiving major unders)
I think it's an ordinary deal for Port and Cats should be forced to sweeten the deal somehow, but not sure how.
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@TK,
They will get Cochrane and P14 in exchange for Butters and P4.
So it would look more like:
Pick 4 > Cochrane (paying unders)
Butters > Pick 5 (receiving major unders)
I think it's an ordinary deal for Port and Cats should be forced to sweeten the deal somehow, but not sure how.
Ah yes forgot to include pick 4 in the outgoing. Thanks for that.
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The Age’s Peter Ryan on Wednesday morning reported “the best result” for the Power could be “to take the compensation before working from there to maximise the return for their club”.
“If they did go down the compensation path, the gap in their collateral would be picks in the 2027 national draft, which they will need for emerging father-son and NGA prospects Louis Salopek and Zemes Pilot,” Ryan wrote for The Age.
“That need could be met via another deal with either the Cats or the Bulldogs, which would need to be AFL-approved but could include, according to sources at other clubs, trading in the Cats’ or Bulldogs’ first-round pick in 2027 for two second-round picks in 2028, or something similar.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/department-of-trade/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2026-zak-butters-free-agency-latest-huge-geelong-offer-revealed-as-cats-bulldogs-eye-pick-5-trade-twist/news-story/14c8e772bbb00b3aa54f45f43b5b037a
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" pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package"
Without clear cheating it cannot be part of the package.
Cal Twomey is effectively reporting draft tampering.
Just read more into it as that statement on its own isn’t clear.
So they’re saying port won’t match so they get pick 5 and then the cats/dogs will do another “seperate” trade which is highly favourable to Port to make up the difference in valuation of butters value.
I mean it probably doesn’t break any rules straight up but it sure is a hell of a loop hole that is being exploited.
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" pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package"
Without clear cheating it cannot be part of the package.
Cal Twomey is effectively reporting draft tampering.
Just read more into it as that statement on its own isn’t clear.
So they’re saying port won’t match so they get pick 5 and then the cats/dogs will do another “seperate” trade which is highly favourable to Port to make up the difference in valuation of butters value.
I mean it probably doesn’t break any rules straight up but it sure is a hell of a loop hole that is being exploited.
Yes they can do a secondary trade of course but how's that going to work.
2nd and a future 1st for ports 4th rounder?
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Except the trade period is separate to the draft period, yeah?
So Port should do a favourable trade, then match Geelong's offer :)
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Nah free agency period opens before trade period and closes before it too.
So it would be the other way round where cats/dogs tell them they’ll give them extra during trade period and then once the FA papers for butters get lodged they act like it never happened to port lol
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" pick no.5, the free agency compensation pick, will become part of the overall transaction and package"
Without clear cheating it cannot be part of the package.
Cal Twomey is effectively reporting draft tampering.
Just read more into it as that statement on its own isn’t clear.
So they’re saying port won’t match so they get pick 5 and then the cats/dogs will do another “seperate” trade which is highly favourable to Port to make up the difference in valuation of butters value.
I mean it probably doesn’t break any rules straight up but it sure is a hell of a loop hole that is being exploited.
Yes they can do a secondary trade of course but how's that going to work.
2nd and a future 1st for ports 4th rounder?
Yup that’s how I’m interpreting it atleast.
FA gets done and port get pick 5 while butters signs for either dogs or cats.
Then when trade week starts cats give them players for not much back or they do a ridic pick swap like you’ve written.
I mean id be much more down for that if that’s how Richmond were getting it done lol they can have our compo pick and 2nds ontop of the pick 5 they get.
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It’s going to be epic when Butters picks the tigers :shh :thumbsup
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St Kilda and Adelaide back in 2020 tried to do a similar dodgy side deal with Brad Crouch so the Crows could still get the high compo FA pick and the AFL back then knocked it on the head.
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/afl-shuts-down-sneaky-brad-crouch-side-deal-20201107-p5ipkb.html
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Yeah but this involves Geelong. Different rules apply here…..
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HRM5zVsboAAjVDL?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/superfooty/status/2095081829951037844
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1600499/a-lot-to-play-out-port-adelaide-power-keep-options-open-in-zak-butters-deal
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Thinking about how Port get pick 5 which is a compensation pick for when a player who walks into the draft without a deal being struck and his previous club losing the player for nothing .
To then also find away 2 trade for a whole lot more( 2 first round picks) for a token close to delisted player will make a mockery of the draft and has nothing to do with salary dumping.
Geelong is always finding ways to scam the draft and if they were approved to the detriment to the other16 clubs , every club will do it and imagine what a farce the drafts will turn into .
Hopefully it’s just deceitful Callum Twomey trying to flim flam the Geelong fan club within the AFL but they see it for what it is and ban it as cheating ( keep your cake and eat it too).
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Twomey repeated it on 3aw.
Cal Twomey has provided insight on Zak Butters’ looming move and the compensation Port Adelaide will look to receive for the star midfielder.
The trade guru stated it’s a “two horse race” for the services of the 25-year-old.
“I think there is a way that Butters leaves as a free agent, and Port gets that pick (number five),” Twomey told Jimmy Bartel on Sports Today.
"A lot of moving parts.”
https://www.3aw.com.au/cal-twomey-provides-latest-update-on-zak-butters-future/
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https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-star-nick-blakey-wants-to-leave-club-following-suspension/news-story/4d538189a64ba25894d3d442834a1cf3
Make a move tigers
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https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-star-nick-blakey-wants-to-leave-club-following-suspension/news-story/4d538189a64ba25894d3d442834a1cf3
Make a move tigers
I'm on record as saying i don't want this bloke at Richmond. Also know I'm probably in the minority
But don't you think it's best to wait until the police investigation is over?
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No I don't. I said blakey not Heeney.
I don't see any issue with him at all. Do you think it's anything worse than what Balta did? No it's not. I could be wrong but I very much doubt it.
He and a few others have been treated very poorly by the swans and afl IMO.
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I don't want him while the investigation is ongoing.
If he's cleared, that's another story.
This is the sort of player I would chase two of instead as an alternative to throwing the sink at Butters. Right age bracket, playing ability etc
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https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-star-nick-blakey-wants-to-leave-club-following-suspension/news-story/4d538189a64ba25894d3d442834a1cf3
Make a move tigers
I'm on record as saying i don't want this bloke at Richmond. Also know I'm probably in the minority
But don't you think it's best to wait until the police investigation is over?
Ironically the reason you don’t want him is the reason he wants to leave the Swans. They have trashed his name and the general public have just fallen for the press rhetoric.
I don’t think he’s perfect but if we want to zero in on the specifics of this case then there is a reasonable argument to say his club has chucked him under the bus.
And, it must be said, you WP have fallen for the 2 card trick of reading and falling for the press coverage.
The Swans imv have badly let down Blakey and they will feel the consequences of that.
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Ironically the reason you don’t want him is the reason he wants to leave the Swans. They have trashed his name and the general public have just fallen for the press rhetoric.
I don’t think he’s perfect but if we want to zero in on the specifics of this case then there is a reasonable argument to say his club has chucked him under the bus.
And, it must be said, you WP have fallen for the 2 card trick of reading and falling for the press coverage.
The Swans imv have badly let down Blakey and they will feel the consequences of that.
What 2 card trick is that exactly?
He is currently being investigated along with 3 other teammates by the police for an alleged sexual assault. The only Swans player no longer being investigated is Bice, the remaining 4 are still under investigation.
That isn't media coverage that is the facts via a Media statement released by the police. Add the fact he chose to be out on the turps until the early hours of the morning and then chose to be in that room. Now if that upsets Nick I really dont give a pooh. He has contributed to "trashing" his name, suggest he owns it and take some responsibility for it rather than looking for someone to blame
And FWIW I've actually never been a fan of his as a player.
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Victorian club urged to make late play for Brisbane star
Zero Hanger
September 3, 2026
Amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Brisbane star Zac Bailey, Richmond has been called on to make a late play for the two-time All-Australian.
The Tigers remain in the race for Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters, but are viewed as the third horse in the running behind Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, despite the Punt Road club being believed to be putting forward more than $2 million per season for the Power midfielder.
With Richmond tipped to miss out on Butters, the AFL Trade Show's Mitch Keating believes the money set aside for the wantaway onballer should be put toward a last-minute bid for Bailey.
The premiership Lion is believed to be keen on staying in Queensland; however, the size of Adelaide's offer is understood to be turning his head.
With Richmond potentially able to blow both parties out of the water with a sizeable offer of their own, a play for Bailey 'would make sense' for the Tigers.
"Easier said than done, but it'd make sense if they looked at Zac Bailey, who wants to stay in Brisbane, but his head is being turned by money," Keating said.
"If [Richmond] have had this $2 million deal set aside for Zak Butters... you don't have to use all of that on Zac Bailey, but he'd be a perfect fit for Richmond as that mid-forward hybrid.
"He'd get a lot of good midfield minutes over the next couple of years, and then hand the keys over and act as that rotation player that he currently is.
"I think that'd be a great move for Richmond. But, again, it sounds like Adelaide or Brisbane for him, and they might be too late to make that call."
https://www.zerohanger.com/victorian-club-urged-to-make-late-play-for-brisbane-star-afl-trade-news-182130/
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Twomey repeated it on 3aw.
Cal Twomey has provided insight on Zak Butters’ looming move and the compensation Port Adelaide will look to receive for the star midfielder.
The trade guru stated it’s a “two horse race” for the services of the 25-year-old.
“I think there is a way that Butters leaves as a free agent, and Port gets that pick (number five),” Twomey told Jimmy Bartel on Sports Today.
"A lot of moving parts.”
https://www.3aw.com.au/cal-twomey-provides-latest-update-on-zak-butters-future/
Geelong fans now posting their wishful thinking trades on social media all thanks to this.
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1. Port Accept Pick 5 Compo
2. Cats do 2nd trade with Port & St.Kilda involving SDK
Cats Trade SDK + Pick 34 to Stkilda
Saints Trade Pick 9 to Cats
Cats Send Picks 9 & 15 to Port
Port trades Picks 24,29 & Ollie Lord
Cats Send 24 to StK
StK Send 34 to Port
Deal Ends up as below including Butters & Pick 5
Port - Picks 5, 9, 14 & 34 ..... (for Butters, Ollie Lord, picks 24 & 29)
StK - SDK & Pick 24 ..... (for pick 9)
Geel - Pick 29, Ollie Lord & Butters .... (for Sam De Koning, picks 14 & 34)
https://x.com/_BWeed_/status/2095382294718800290
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Geelong fans into the sniffing salts again I think.
Fans as obnoxious as the players are ?
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It’s Geelong, that trade is only unrealistic in that they are probably paying overs
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It’s Geelong, that trade is only unrealistic in that they are probably paying overs
There's one going around where they get pick 5 and butters.
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Toby Greene on @SENBreakfast when asked about his Geelong meeting and the Zak Butters factor.
"I asked them. Obviously it's fairly important. I spoke to Zak as well and that's probably something I'll do again in the next few days because it obviously adds a bit of weight to that decision.
"He (Zak) just said where his head was at and what he valued highly with his decision."
https://x.com/Sammy__Edmund/status/2095642998604476756
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Greg Swann tells Fireball that every trade has to stand on its own merits and they will monitor this potential transaction if it happens.
https://x.com/NicNegrepontis/status/2095673991411495394
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Ah yes I am sure the AFL Football Operations Department working in tandem with the AFL Integrity and Compliance units wilo be watching this like a Kawhi Leonard contract.
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Zac Bailey apparently to Adelaide for ten million
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Greg Swann tells Fireball that every trade has to stand on its own merits and they will monitor this potential transaction if it happens.
https://x.com/NicNegrepontis/status/2095673991411495394
AFL PUTS CLUBS ON NOTICE IN WATCH ON BUTTERS DEAL
The AFL says it will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period amid suggestions Port Adelaide could get free agency compensation for Zak Butters and more in a separate trade.
Speaking on SEN’s Fireball on Friday, AFL footy boss Greg Swann said “all the deals have got to stand up on their merit” and will be audited as per usual.
“Let’s see what happens. If Zak goes and (Port) take the compensation pick and then there’s a trade for another player or trades for picks, it’s got to stand up,” Swann said.
“We’ll just monitor that and see what it looks like.”
Swann said clubs would be on notice like any other year to ensure everything is above board.
“It’s a bit like, for which we got slammed for, when we sent the letter out to say don’t rest too many players (in Round 24) and everyone lost their minds. We do the same thing with trades ... we do that every year,” Swann added.
“Every deal gets scrutinised. We talk to clubs and record with each party what the deal was, if there’s anything else behind it, if there’s any side deals or anything else involved.
“We always do that, so we’ll remind clubs again that’s the process and just monitor it as it happens.”
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2095736530447081910
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Zac Bailey will stay at the Lions.
https://x.com/NickButler10/status/2095754214127579204
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Zac Bailey will stay at the Lions.
https://x.com/NickButler10/status/2095754214127579204
Equal . Compensation or trade , not both, suck it up Twomey :thumbsdown
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Greg Swann tells Fireball that every trade has to stand on its own merits and they will monitor this potential transaction if it happens.
https://x.com/NicNegrepontis/status/2095673991411495394
AFL PUTS CLUBS ON NOTICE IN WATCH ON BUTTERS DEAL
The AFL says it will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period amid suggestions Port Adelaide could get free agency compensation for Zak Butters and more in a separate trade.
Speaking on SEN’s Fireball on Friday, AFL footy boss Greg Swann said “all the deals have got to stand up on their merit” and will be audited as per usual.
“Let’s see what happens. If Zak goes and (Port) take the compensation pick and then there’s a trade for another player or trades for picks, it’s got to stand up,” Swann said.
“We’ll just monitor that and see what it looks like.”
Swann said clubs would be on notice like any other year to ensure everything is above board.
“It’s a bit like, for which we got slammed for, when we sent the letter out to say don’t rest too many players (in Round 24) and everyone lost their minds. We do the same thing with trades ... we do that every year,” Swann added.
“Every deal gets scrutinised. We talk to clubs and record with each party what the deal was, if there’s anything else behind it, if there’s any side deals or anything else involved.
“We always do that, so we’ll remind clubs again that’s the process and just monitor it as it happens.”
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2095736530447081910
I’m not so confident that this will be the case.
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It is the most corrupted competition in the nation so anything that appears wrong is wrong. I am 100% certain Butters will end up going to Geelong for next to nothing.
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Greg Swann tells Fireball that every trade has to stand on its own merits and they will monitor this potential transaction if it happens.
https://x.com/NicNegrepontis/status/2095673991411495394
AFL PUTS CLUBS ON NOTICE IN WATCH ON BUTTERS DEAL
The AFL says it will “scrutinise” every deal this trade period amid suggestions Port Adelaide could get free agency compensation for Zak Butters and more in a separate trade.
Speaking on SEN’s Fireball on Friday, AFL footy boss Greg Swann said “all the deals have got to stand up on their merit” and will be audited as per usual.
“Let’s see what happens. If Zak goes and (Port) take the compensation pick and then there’s a trade for another player or trades for picks, it’s got to stand up,” Swann said.
“We’ll just monitor that and see what it looks like.”
Swann said clubs would be on notice like any other year to ensure everything is above board.
“It’s a bit like, for which we got slammed for, when we sent the letter out to say don’t rest too many players (in Round 24) and everyone lost their minds. We do the same thing with trades ... we do that every year,” Swann added.
“Every deal gets scrutinised. We talk to clubs and record with each party what the deal was, if there’s anything else behind it, if there’s any side deals or anything else involved.
“We always do that, so we’ll remind clubs again that’s the process and just monitor it as it happens.”
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2095736530447081910
It is exactly the same as petrol prices, no collusion there.
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SYDNEY football boss Leon Cameron has dismissed reports of Nick Blakey wanting to be traded as "speculation", amid ongoing uncertainty around the playing futures of the embattled club's suspended quintet.
The 26-year-old star has five years left on a long-term deal reportedly worth more than $1 million per season.
On Saturday, Cameron said he checks in regularly with the "five good lads" while they are away from the club and insisted he had been given no indication Blakey is keen to leave the Swans.
"Nick hasn't spoken a word of this," Cameron said on 3AW radio ahead of the Swans' qualifying final against Brisbane.
"There's always going to be speculation when clubs are going through a crisis like we've gone through in the last two and a half weeks.
"But it's all speculation, Nick's contracted, and so are all the other guys as well.
"We'll work through what everything looks like when our season finishes, but I don't get tied up in that too much."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1603064/sydney-swans-dismiss-trade-speculation-amid-uncertainty
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"I'm prepared this morning to say Zak Butters in a perfect world would like to play for Geelong next year. That's not necessarily new news. It's been floated around elsewhere that Geelong is his preferred destination. But this is not a perfect world. And that's why the Western Bulldogs are still very much in this. There is also a view from people very close to this situation that the Dogs are more willing to bend over backwards to find the draft picks to satisfy Port Adelaide."
- Tom Morris
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2096117822099472523
The media don't even mention us anymore.
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"I'm prepared this morning to say Zak Butters in a perfect world would like to play for Geelong next year. That's not necessarily new news. It's been floated around elsewhere that Geelong is his preferred destination. But this is not a perfect world. And that's why the Western Bulldogs are still very much in this. There is also a view from people very close to this situation that the Dogs are more willing to bend over backwards to find the draft picks to satisfy Port Adelaide."
- Tom Morris
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2096117822099472523
The media don't even mention us anymore.
I am glad we are out of the race.. Honestly the draft price and salary cap space is not worth it. We just need to hit the draft hard one more time. Add one or two mature bodies to cover positions of need like a small backman and a another Ruck (Briggs). If an unexpected cheap trade comes up we will be able to swoop in with cap space and perhaps a second rounder. Taking Zak Butters takes too much of everything in my view.
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Plus the fact he potentially wants Geelong makes him dirty scum anyway. I have no issue with the Bulldogs. But anything related, affiliated or in discussions to Geelong is just filth.
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Plus the fact he potentially wants Geelong makes him dirty scum anyway. I have no issue with the Bulldogs. But anything related, affiliated or in discussions to Geelong is just filth.
:shh :thumbsup
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Geelong recruitment video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcavoz9zmV0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
From the comments: "I’m a cats fan and this is funny af . Can you do one on Richmond and their inner city townhouse portfolio from the premier years?"
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Inside AFL’s biggest trade race: Each club’s best Butters offer... and the players involved
Jack Jovanovski
Fox Sports
September 7th, 2026
Zak Butters’ blockbuster free agency decision is down to three clubs, with Geelong and the Bulldogs considered genuine contenders.
But what each of the Cats, Dogs and Richmond can offer to satisfy Port Adelaide in a trade varies — and that’s what keeps the Tigers alive in the race, just.
The Power have vowed to match any offer for their in-demand restricted free agent, even despite recent talk of a possible roundabout way for Port to net a free agency compensation pick, and additional draft picks via a separate trade.
So, Foxfooty.com.au explores each club’s best, most realistic prospective offer to Port Adelaide, as the trade period edges closer.
GEELONG
Geelong receives: Zak Butters, Rowan Marshall, 2027 second-round pick (tied to STK)
Port Adelaide receives: 2026 first-round pick (tied to GEE, currently No.14), 2027 first-round pick (tied to STK), 2027 first-round pick (tied to GEE)
St Kilda receives: Sam De Koning
There are a few factors at play here, clearly.
And there’s every chance something along the lines of this could go down as two separate trades, but for the purposes of this exercise, we’ll put it all in the one.
In this particular deal, all of the Power’s relevant draft needs are satisfied.
The Cats’ 2026 first-rounder, regardless of where it eventually falls between now and the end of the finals series, will be enough Value Index-wise for the Power to couple with their own first (No.4 overall) to match a rival bid at No.1 for Cochrane.
And the two 2027 first-rounders they get from Geelong and St Kilda respectively will help them land Pilot and Salopek next year.
The question is, will Port Adelaide be satisfied with that draft haul, given that those two 2027 firsts will come late in the Tassie-diluted first-round order.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Western Bulldogs receive: Zak Butters, 2027 second-round pick (tied to GWS)
Port Adelaide receives: 2026 first-round pick (tied to WBD, currently No.12), 2027 first-round pick (tied to GWS), 2027 first-round pick (tied to WBD)
GWS Giants receive: Tim English
As for the draft picks headed Port Adelaide’s way, it’s very similar to the capital Geelong is giving in its aforementioned trade.
The one caveat is the GWS pick, which should, in theory, be a slightly better selection than St Kilda’s.
But it’s a very similar deal for the Power, who are looked after from a bid-matching perspective this year and next.
And in the world where they’re satisfied with that kind of return, it’d leave Butters with the simple decision of where he wants to play his football, out of Geelong and the Dogs.
RICHMOND
Richmond receives: Zak Butters
Port Adelaide receives: 2026 first-round pick (tied to RIC, No.2 overall), 2027 first-round pick (tied to RIC)
Compared to the above hypotheticals, this Richmond concept is very straightforward.
Simply, the Tigers’ trade assets are unmatched by the other two clubs. They can best satisfy Port Adelaide, and it isn’t close.
The question revolves around whether there’s another pick involved in here somewhere, but this should be the premise.
For Port Adelaide, getting the second overall pick opens several doors of opportunity. It could use that selection and its Pick 22 to match for Cochrane, leaving its Pick 4 to do with as it pleases.
The Power could either pick again high in the order, split it and take multiple first-round talents, or trade it into the future to have even more 2027 flexibility.
And the Tigers’ 2027 first is again set to be rich in value, even in that compromised draft.
Obviously, Richmond appears up against it in terms of Butters reportedly preferring one of Geelong or the Bulldogs over Tigerland.
But if push comes to shove in October, and the Cats and Dogs struggle to find a way to please the Power, the mob in yellow and black will be right there waiting in the wings.
Because if it becomes a trade bidding war, Richmond can go higher with its offer.
Would list boss Blair Hartley and company enhance that hypothetical offer with this year’s second-round pick, which is currently No.20?
It’d be overs, but for Richmond to have any serious chance in this trade race, it has to go above and beyond to turn Port Adelaide’s head.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-2026-zak-butters-free-agency-decision-what-geelong-bulldogs-and-richmond-can-offer-port-adelaide-draft-picks/news-story/0a8086cef43452cf9e03e2435e6a2d2d
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Oskar Baker would be an upgrade over many currently on our list
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Is almost every journo Geelong aligned?
That above trade for Butters is ridiculous. Cats get heaps, Saints get screwed.
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Is almost every journo Geelong aligned?
That above trade for Butters is ridiculous. Cats get heaps, Saints get screwed.
I am about fed up with the Cats bias across the board.
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St Kilda has confirmed Rowan Marshall’s request to be traded.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2097110457249304664
North Melbourne forward Zane Duursma has informed the Roos he will seek a trade to Melbourne.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2097105908178534754
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Zac Bailey signs on with the Lions on a new eight season deal as he rebuffs the Crows. Huge deal and huge loyalty.
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2097137697588646350
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Trade Bell: Nick Vlastuin & Jayden Short
SEN
8 Sep 2026
Whateley asked: “So here's one name and not for the first time that has come through. Does Nick Vlastuin to Sydney come into play with the Callum Mills injury?”
Edmund replied: “Yeah, so I wasn't going to raise this because it's one of those ones where if you raise these guys, you could raise a thousand players. So can I state that?
“Look, it's probably 90-95% chance I'm told that nothing would happen, but you know, it's like a Lloyd Christmas where there's a chance, and I'd fold Jayden Short into that too.
“Now both of these guys have bubbled up in conversations, both are contracted for one more year, but then you've got Richmond in full reset mode obviously and their last chance at a pure draft.
“I know they got the second pick this year, they got picked 20 I think as well. Would they be willing to do one of those players in a trade to get a pick back in, a little bit more of a foothold in the draft this year before Tassie comes in.
“At the same time, you've got the coach wanting all the experience he can get and really needing to coach for his life next year as well.
“They've been inquired about, there's a couple of clubs hunting those guys. Do Richmond have the appetite to do the deal on at least one of them? I've got as an open question at the moment, whether it be Nick or whether it be Jayden.
“That's probably the best way to put it. I'm not even sure if either has an appetite to move, but both have done a heck of a lot of winning. Would they be open to seeking a fresh start somewhere else?”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/09/08/afl-trade-news-rowan-marshall-jesse-hogan-jordon-butts-trent-rivers-nick-vlastuin
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Something for short would be outstanding
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I would rather not trade Vlastuin, unless he wants to go and it's a silly good deal for us.
But then, if they were prepared to take Short off our hands... :o
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The reality is that whatever short had is long gone and this obvious across the industry. One more painful year.
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Trade talks to begin in earnest at key meetings this week
TRADE talks will begin in earnest on Wednesday with more than half of the 18 clubs set to meet for their annual pre-trade catch up.
The unofficial start to the trade period will see list and recruiting bosses from clubs gather in Melbourne for a 'speed dating' exercise of short trade discussions ahead of the end of the finals campaign.
The day of meetings is arranged by the clubs themselves, with all bar five clubs attending last year as they met in the lead-up to last year's semi-final.
The meetings are used to give updates on the contract status of players, available list spots, predicted draft selections being used and any other initial discussions ahead of the Continental Tyres Trade Period.
A staple of the lead-in to the trade and free agency window, the catch-ups are seen as a chance for clubs to get a feel of what other's plans are and how other clubs could get involved in proposed deals.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1606355/key-meetings-between-clubs-this-week-to-see-trade-talks-begin-in-earnest
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Tiger71 on the Tigercast last night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga4eFUpseUw
* Still confident about us and Butters as the other clubs can't match what we are offering Port. Only caveat is Port caving into Geelong and taking unders, but he doesn't see that happening as why would Port refuse pick 2 & potentially pick 4 say in 2027 for their highly-rated father-sons. Add the poor relationship between Port and Geelong from past poaching attempts by the Cats. Or St Kilda doing something ridiculously unrealistic like giving up a top 10 pick and Marshall for SDK who isn't even in Geelong's 23 at the moment.
* Port will match any offer. His sources (in the AFL recruiting space) say talk of Port accepting compo and doing side deals is made up (by the media).
* Media only saying we are third because they can't get any info out of Richmond as we don't leak like the other clubs. If we were out, the media would be rushing to publicly say so.
* Thinks the Dogs know they are third in the race for Butters given the talk yesterday of a plan B for them (Matt Rowell) and the re-signing of Arty Jones and Buku Khamis to long-term deals.
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He's a good rubbish artist Tiger71
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:lol
I'm trying to understand why his links are posted on here. Who is he?
So do we search the net now and put links up that randos have posted?
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He's a good rubbish artist Tiger71
Did this bloke say “we were a moral” to get the “big fish” malcolm rosas jnr last off season?
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:lol
I'm trying to understand why his links are posted on here. Who is he?
So do we search the net now and put links up that randos have posted?
Whether what he is saying is right or not we'll know within the next month, but that Richmond youtube channel, the host Chris and Tiger71 are hardly "randos". Chris has had Yze and other club officals on the channel. The main difference this time is they are holding a position that is completely opposite to the media narrative. Whereas with Lynch in 2018 the media by September said he was coming to us as well.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-figures-debate-merits-of-free-agency-after-tom-lynchs-likely-move-to-richmond/news-story/9c58fdef43988d9f88f3c1132d0bc010
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I’d prefer Matt Rowell over Butters
Can that happen?
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He’s a free agent next season so definitely on the market. His buddy Anderson is too.
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You know what would be amusing?
Port match a bid for Butters and keep him at $2m+/year.
Then we go after their other players when they're doing a salary dump and giving us first rounders to take their other useful players.
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It still amazes me when supporters the media most people talk about Butters not one asks what does Butters want.
Who ever get him the money will be top dollar. I dont think money is his top criteria. It will be very good where ever he goes. Take the dollars out and there are two reasons left.
We know he wants to be back around family that is most likely the #1 driving force to leaving. But is he also leaving because P/A are rebuilding themselves to a degree.
At age 26 winning a premiership would be very high on his agenda. To achieve that your probably telling yourself you need to be in a team that is regularly up there and challenging.
Yep money and go home factor are important but his legacy and standing in the game demands success hes Achieved nearly everything in the game but the glaring missing piece is that premiership cup.
If at age 26 and chasing success, then im not coming to Richmond if im him.
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I’m not coming to Richmond unless I am a fringe afl player at another club and they guarantee me senior footy.
This is why we are quiet. We would be the least preferred afl option in the entire competition with Essendon atm.
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I’m not coming to Richmond unless I am a fringe afl player at another club and they guarantee me senior footy.
This is why we are quiet. We would be the least preferred afl option in the entire competition with Essendon atm.
Money talks
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He's a good rubbish artist Tiger71
Did this bloke say “we were a moral” to get the “big fish” malcolm rosas jnr last off season?
He did not say that dumb idiot ??
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I’m not coming to Richmond unless I am a fringe afl player at another club and they guarantee me senior footy.
This is why we are quiet. We would be the least preferred afl option in the entire competition with Essendon atm.
Money talks
Does it? It didn’t for Adelaide with Zac Bailey and for us with Zac Butters. Look at who Norf targeted and missed over many years.
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:lol
I'm trying to understand why his links are posted on here. Who is he?
So do we search the net now and put links up that randos have posted?
Whether what he is saying is right or not we'll know within the next month, but that Richmond youtube channel, the host Chris and Tiger71 are hardly "randos". Chris has had Yze and other club officals on the channel. The main difference this time is they are holding a position that is completely opposite to the media narrative. Whereas with Lynch in 2018 the media by September said he was coming to us as well.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-figures-debate-merits-of-free-agency-after-tom-lynchs-likely-move-to-richmond/news-story/9c58fdef43988d9f88f3c1132d0bc010
Fair enough. I have never heard of him or that channel.
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I’m not coming to Richmond unless I am a fringe afl player at another club and they guarantee me senior footy.
This is why we are quiet. We would be the least preferred afl option in the entire competition with Essendon atm.
Money talks
Does it? It didn’t for Adelaide with Zac Bailey and for us with Zac Butters. Look at who Norf targeted and missed over many years.
I mean it’s not a fail safe but to think it doesn’t play major role in players decision is wrong. Brisbane had to up their offer significantly to get Bailey to re-sign. He was almost certainly heading to the crows until the lions recent offer added another year - 8 years for a 27 year old!
Similar with butters. I know he didn’t end up coming here, but we were by all accounts in his final 3 with Geelong and the bulldogs needing to make the largest offers in their club history to compete with it. Not to mention him knocking back the pies offer even though they are still a decent side compared to us.
I’m sure almost every player would rather win than lose but the money has to be right too and no doubt we can lure some free agents with some generous contract offers.
Plus I know we are crap right now but we’re still the bloody Richmond Football Club let’s not talk like some minnow.
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Ok. Let’s examine 2 clubs in recent history.
Crows - Will Day, Mason Redman, Harrison Petty
Norf - Dusty, Heeney, De Goey (Saints too), Andrew Gaff, Josh Kelly
And we will target a heap of players and they will all say no until we start our entire off field all over again.
Money might talk but it doesn’t exactly result in players walking.
And history says they won’t walk to play for losers.
And we are in peak loser mode.
From 8 finals and 3 flags in 10 seasons, we have gone 12,18,17,17.
That’s a pretty good sample that measures mediocrity don’t you think?
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Ok. Let’s examine 2 clubs in recent history.
Crows - Will Day, Mason Redman, Harrison Petty
Norf - Dusty, Heeney, De Goey (Saints too), Andrew Gaff, Josh Kelly
And we will target a heap of players and they will all say no until we start our entire off field all over again.
Money might talk but it doesn’t exactly result in players walking.
And history says they won’t walk to play for losers.
And we are in peak loser mode.
From 8 finals and 3 flags in 10 seasons, we have gone 12,18,17,17.
That’s a pretty good sample that measures mediocrity don’t you think?
:shh
we are getting scraps thats all we are getting.
Our hope is some of those scraps get us to where we want.
Butters. LMFAO. cant believe anyone actually thought we had a chance with this list.
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Butters wants Geelong. Free farm, car, a side gig outside TPP where he works an hour or two per year for another six figures, his Mrs if he has one will also get a six figure job doing SFA while she ends up being a SAHM/WAG/socialite. As a result of this, they are always in contention.
Our best chance is players who have already achieved the ultimate succes and are looking for a pay day (like B Ellis to GCS, Buddy to Swines>Giants) or fringe players who probably deserve more AFL opportunity (like Grigg and Houli).
With up to $2.5m/year on offer it would be nice if we could at least land 2 good players from somewhere.
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The ‘Butters rule’ the AFL should introduce to fix a shonky system
The Age
September 10, 2026
It is conceivable that Zak Butters will choose to play for Geelong, and that the Cats will not give up anything – not even their first draft choice – for one of the best four or five players in the competition.
The same can happen if Butters nominates the Western Bulldogs, an outcome that will cause fewer howls of indignation from the football public and some rival clubs, even though the scenario isn’t much different – that of a team around contention picking up a champion without losing any draft capital, nor player of value.
Due to the caprices of the free agency rules, Port Adelaide will find it difficult to source a better deal than pick No.5 for Butters, which is what the Power are entitled to in compensation if they do not match an offer for him.
Last week the dogs were barking, so to speak, that Geelong were in pole position for Butters. But whether he picks the Cats or Bulldogs (it would be staggering if he picked Richmond now), the Butters and Ben King exits have exposed a serious flaw in the AFL’s free agency system.
The cracks – and detrimental impact on equalisation in the AFL – are such that the league must rectify the shonky free agency rules.
They ought to introduce what I would term “the Butters rule” – an overdue reform to free agency compensation – after 2026. It is a change that Gold Coast lobbied for after Tom Lynch left the Suns for Richmond, who were then at their zenith and gave up zero for one of the AFL’s most valuable players.
Teams placed higher on the ladder, either top six or top eight, should be compelled to give up their first draft choice when gaining a tier one restricted free agent, such as Butters or King. The question is whether the pick should be handed to the club losing the free agent, or – better yet – if the pick vanishes completely.
The free agency rules give massive incentives for teams down the ladder, like Port (15th), not to force trades. And when the predator club is high on the ladder, as with Geelong and even the Dogs, the system is loaded in their favour.
This is not a shot at Geelong, who are increasingly viewed with cynicism by their opponents. Should the Cats land Butters and someone else of value (plus Toby Greene) without being required to give up anything for the Port champ, they will be working within a flawed set of rules, not breaking them.
Hawthorn are likely to gain King and Zach Merrett, when snaring one ought to make the other harder than a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Again, within the rules.
Here’s an explanation of how and why the AFL needs to make a change:
Tasmania’s entry into the competition simply compounds the situation, since the Devils will swallow much of the 2027 draft; future picks will be as devalued as the Iranian rial.
Why would Port or Gold Coast bother matching offers and forcing trades for Butters and King, unless they can prise a good player out of those teams in return?
The potential for the predator clubs to make dodgy side deals is obvious to everyone, and the AFL would be wise to put out one of those memos before the trade period, warning that deals must be “commercial” and that they are willing to block trades that appear to, um, let’s say unduly “compensate” the club that loses the free agent.
How would a hypothetical side deal work?
Geelong, for argument’s sake, get Butters without Port matching the offer. Port have pick No.5. Then, mysteriously, there’s a secondary deal between those clubs (or a creative three-way), in which Port gains another player or picks cheaply.
The AFL would be watching closely, one would hope.
Rival clubs have a heightened awareness of such dealings – and are already whingeing privately about the prospect of Butters getting to the Cats or Dogs at zero cost, perhaps with a side salad that purports to be a separate meal.
It is not feasible, as has been proposed in the past, for the top four/top eight teams to be barred from top end (restricted) free agents. This would be a restraint of trade and the AFL Players’ Association won’t cop it.
But the AFL can reform the compensation along the lines I propose: That for those contending teams, near the top (six at minimum), there is a price for landing a free agent gun, and that is your first draft choice. If that pick vanishes, then the draft is less compromised for the other teams.
The gun players aren’t choosing the stragglers. If you believe in equalisation, free agency reform is the final frontier.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-butters-rule-the-afl-should-introduce-to-fix-a-shonky-system-20260909-p60vtu.html
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CLUBS GATHER AS TRADE TALKS START
FIFTEEN clubs met for trade talks on Wednesday as things geared up ahead of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
All bar three clubs – Hawthorn, Richmond and Port Adelaide – were on deck as the clubs gathered in inner city Melbourne for the trade proceedings.
Clubs were able to start early discussions on certain players and targets before the trade window opens.
Other details shared at the start of the discussions across the short meetings on Wednesday included available list spots, plans for the draft and likely amount of draft picks, the contract status of players and who could be on the move.
The trade period officially starts on Monday, October 5, following the start of the free agency window on Friday, October 2.
– Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1606783/inside-trading-clubs-begin-trade-talks-hawthorn-hawk-staying-put-st-kilda-saint-signs-on
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Alex Tauru reportedly wants out of the saints. That would be another young top end key position defender that you maybe wouldn’t have to pay a premium for.
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CLUBS GATHER AS TRADE TALKS START
FIFTEEN clubs met for trade talks on Wednesday as things geared up ahead of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
All bar three clubs – Hawthorn, Richmond and Port Adelaide – were on deck as the clubs gathered in inner city Melbourne for the trade proceedings.
Clubs were able to start early discussions on certain players and targets before the trade window opens.
Other details shared at the start of the discussions across the short meetings on Wednesday included available list spots, plans for the draft and likely amount of draft picks, the contract status of players and who could be on the move.
The trade period officially starts on Monday, October 5, following the start of the free agency window on Friday, October 2.
– Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1606783/inside-trading-clubs-begin-trade-talks-hawthorn-hawk-staying-put-st-kilda-saint-signs-on
We aren’t there?
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Alex Tauru reportedly wants out of the saints. That would be another young top end key position defender that you maybe wouldn’t have to pay a premium for.
:pray
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Alex Tauru reportedly wants out of the saints. That would be another young top end key position defender that you maybe wouldn’t have to pay a premium for.
:pray
Wouldn’t come cheap at all
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Our picks 20&21 are the equivalent of pick 8 points wise.
I know it doesn’t exactly work like that in terms of valuations but I’d think that’s an extremely solid start for someone that was pick 10 only 2 years ago.
Then again, maybe the club has players they rate higher at those picks in this years draft or are planning to trade up using them.
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Has he shown a bit?
Wouldn't trade P2, but that's about the only non-negotiable for me.
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Would do 2 for 8 and viking
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Ahead of a huge off season, the Tigers and Port were both not in attendance…
Is this an indication that the tigers are much more of a shot than the media is letting on?
I believe so.
#AFL #PORT #TIGERS #AFLTRADE
https://x.com/An6u3Media/status/2097849265146208557
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Ahead of a huge off season, the Tigers and Port were both not in attendance…
Is this an indication that the tigers are much more of a shot than the media is letting on?
I believe so.
#AFL #PORT #TIGERS #AFLTRADE
https://x.com/An6u3Media/status/2097849265146208557
:shh
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The Calsher Dear race is down to three + Hawthorn. Geelong, Collingwood & Melbourne all in it. Carlton focussed on Amartey.
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/2097818318975705541
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Maybe
P2 + P20
for
Tauru and P8
Short + P38
for
P27 (pies)
Go draft with P8, P21 (compo), P27
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I’m not sliding 6 spots down the draft as well as giving up pick 20 for Alex Tauru. That is well overs.
That pick 2 should be almost untouchable unless we get an offer to good to refuse imo.
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yeah it's probably too much tk
but Taura + P8 for P2 isn't going to happen either IMO
we don't have to do anything
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You’d hope they’ve made a call to his agent to see if the rumours are true and if so whether he would be interested in coming here. If he is then like I posted before I’d start with picks 20 & 21 and go from there.
For me, I consider pick 2 untouchable unless we get offered a trade that leaves 0 doubt that we come out on top of.
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Maybe
P2 + P20
for
Tauru and P8
Short + P38
for
P27 (pies)
Go draft with P8, P21 (compo), P27
Ridiculous
And you keep forgetting if we trade pick 2, there is no compo
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Jesse Hogan will play for Collingwood in 2027.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/collingwood-magpies/afl-2026-gws-jesse-hogan-to-be-traded-to-collingwood-latest-trade-news-coleman-medallist-joins-magpies-latest-news/news-story/b2fa9a356c4887e44c4d88a1e0e9bec2
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yeah it's probably too much tk
but Taura + P8 for P2 isn't going to happen either IMO
we don't have to do anything
Sorry but how stupid can you be? ?
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Maybe
P2 + P20
for
Tauru and P8
Short + P38
for
P27 (pies)
Go draft with P8, P21 (compo), P27
Ridiculous
And you keep forgetting if we trade pick 2, there is no compo
If there's a bid at P1 and we get the compo, do we lose that compo if we trade P2? I wasn't aware of that.
yeah it's probably too much tk
but Taura + P8 for P2 isn't going to happen either IMO
we don't have to do anything
Sorry but how stupid can you be? ?
How about you say something useful instead of throwing insults?
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Why would you get pick 2 compo. If you don't have pick 2
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Live trading (picks only).
Separate deals but pre-agreed.
P20 (R2) for Tauru
Get bid compo draft night
Trade P2 for P8
Or something like that (AFL may not allow it though if they think it's tampering / we're not Geelong etc)
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Live trading (picks only).
Separate deals but pre-agreed.
P20 (R2) for Tauru
Get bid compo draft night
Trade P2 for P8
Or something like that (AFL may not allow it though if they think it's tampering / we're not Geelong etc)
If we trade the second pick
There is no compo
That pick no longer exists
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Gotcha, thanks Damo.
An absolute no then, because trading out of the top 5 will mean trading out another top 20-25 pick then by default.
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Gotcha, thanks Damo.
An absolute no then, because trading out of the top 5 will mean trading out another top 20-25 pick then by default.
It’s why I wasn’t excited by the potential Butters deal
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AFL clubs exploring trades for any of the suspended Sydney players say they’ve been told by the league that their fate won’t be known before the end of the trade period. They say the message from the AFL is clear - buyer beware. @1116sen
https://x.com/Sammy__Edmund/status/2098293735847309522
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All the equalisation stuff with FA compo etc.
I'll die on the hill that the bottom 10 clubs should get 2 shots at the top 20 players in the draft.
Make is much easier and quicker to rebuild through the draft and the FA issue of pillaging best players from lower teams isn't an issue.
If Port lose Butters and get pick 5 compo. They have pick 4 but after pick 10, picks 11 to 20 should be teams bottom of ladder 2nd pick. So Port would also have Pick 14.
I'll die on the hill that this would drastically even up the comp.
-
Butters to nominate Geelong imminently
-
Butters to nominate Geelong imminently
You really got to stop posting about stuff you clearly have no idea about ?
-
All the equalisation stuff with FA compo etc.
I'll die on the hill that the bottom 10 clubs should get 2 shots at the top 20 players in the draft.
Make is much easier and quicker to rebuild through the draft and the FA issue of pillaging best players from lower teams isn't an issue.
If Port lose Butters and get pick 5 compo. They have pick 4 but after pick 10, picks 11 to 20 should be teams bottom of ladder 2nd pick. So Port would also have Pick 14.
I'll die on the hill that this would drastically even up the comp.
Lot of death on the hill
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Butters to nominate Geelong imminently
You really got to stop posting about stuff you clearly have no idea about ?
Yeah, he’s going to Richmond ::)
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Exclusive - Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred new home.
The Dogs have won the battle for their new son of the west. The Port Adelaide free agent wants to be a Bulldog.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HR-UH15aAAAtxz2?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2098558980583010502
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1608030
-
Gg
-
Exclusive - Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred new home.
The Dogs have won the battle for their new son of the west. The Port Adelaide free agent wants to be a Bulldog.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HR-UH15aAAAtxz2?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2098558980583010502
Surprised he didn't just nominate last week after they were knocked out.
Butters to nominate Geelong imminently
You really got to stop posting about stuff you clearly have no idea about ?
You should stop posting in general unless you want to talk about footy
-
Honestly never thought we were in it.
Happy to go to the draft
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Am i the only one here who actually thinks we should be trading into this draft where possible, rather than chasing so called big fish.
There will be plenty of mature recruits dfa state league types and f/a even a trade or two available that wont cost much or nothing we can value add and keep taking kids while they are available to us.
Mids like Drever early, but around the other picks we have and if we managed to trde into a couple of picks say 25 thru 35 then other mids like Gale, a quality wing, williams, Knapp, AV=D are projected to fall around the picks we have. A classy medium forward like Patterson would be around the place. Im hoping we use around 8 picks in the draft and there are some real good mature state league players i hope we look at as well.
To do it though you have to be prepared to do the hard yards instead of chasing quick fixes. Its time for the club to cut and cut hard imo.
Look at Briggs we have built some genuine depth and backup with one f/a. This is what we need to do for now.
-
Where’s Tiger71 at with his 99% prediction?
-
Not disappointed. Glad Butters didn't choose the Cats either. IMO we are not at the stage to chase a big fish, especially if it meant giving up pick 2 in the last uncompromised draft before Tassie comes in. We are still 4 years away at least from playing finals as we are still building our new core group. They are still very young and we are still finding out about them. We still don't know who is going to make it or not given all the injuries. Also, once we do make finals, we want a team that will have a long decade run at it like last time (2013-22). That's how you win flags. Not do a quick fix as Carlton did with Judd and go nowhere.
Let's hit the draft and do this rebuild properly. If HVH at pick 2 were to turn into a Luke Jackson, I'll be a very happy boy.
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It's across the media now.
Bombshell call: Zak Butters nominates the Western Bulldogs
Jake Niall
The Age
September 12, 2026
Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination.
The Power confirmed that the club had been informed by Butters of his choice of club, the Dogs beating Geelong for his services provided they can secure him via free agency or a trade.
Port Adelaide will have to decide whether to match the massive, nine-year offer to Butters or force a trade. If they choose not to match, they will receive pick No.5 in the national draft - the selection after Port’s first pick.
Their early draft choices will be needed to match the likely bid at pick No.1 for their academy gun Dougie Cochrane.
Richmond and Collingwood had been the other clubs vying for Butters during this season. Butters, who hails from Darley near Bacchus Marsh, grew up as a Bulldogs fan.
The Bulldogs had recently increased their offer to Butters, which will likely be the biggest in AFL history.
Assuming they can navigate a trade or land the 26-year-old champion via free agency, the arrival of Butters will be a coup for the Bulldogs and their coach Luke Beveridge.
Of the many flow on effects from Butters’ call is that it might make it easier for Geelong to land St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall. The Cats are in the pole position to snare Toby Greene as an unrestricted free agent if he leaves the Giants.
Butters’ decision is a bombshell move that will drastically shape this year’s AFL trade period.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/zak-butters-nominates-the-western-bulldogs-20260912-p60wr5.html
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If Port has 4&5 would they trade them for Pick 2 ie would it be worth their while?
Probably better for them to trade with Essendon.
Also if we trade back do we then lose the compensation pick?
-
If Port has 4&5 would they trade them for Pick 2 ie would it be worth their while?
Probably better for them to trade with Essendon.
Also if we trade back do we then lose the compensation pick?
Absolutely.
However it seems unlikely port don't match
-
buldogs thank god
he must be a smart guy.
-
Give Port Pick 2 and Sonsie we get Picks 4&5.
Win, Win! For Tigers
-
At least it’s not Geelong.
-
Picks 4 and 5 are worth more than pick 2, why would port do that?
If the idea is that they’ll be able to draft someone before a Cochrane bid (i.e. gambling on bombers not bidding on him), then how exactly will they match a bid after that with no 1st round picks left?
-
Agree couldn't stand it if he went to Geelong .
-
Why would Port take pick 5 compensation when they will get the equivalent of at least 3 first round picks from the Western Bulldogs and the AFL said they will scrutinise and not accept any compensation linked to side deals.
Footscray will likely pick up at least a couple of first rounders if Tim English walks out to GWS.
-
Bulldogs currently hold pick 8 and then pick 25 is their next best. You would imagine with the addition of butters that they will improve next year which coupled with tassie taking most of the picks, means the doggies 1st rounder next season isn’t worth much in a trade.
Of course that doesnt factor in any players they offload and the picks they get back or players they can deal directly to port, but as it stands pick 5 compo is the best thing on the table.
-
If we can make that pick 2 into 2 top 12 picks I'll do it
-
Where’s Tiger71 at with his 99% prediction?
Haven't seen him pop up yet on social media. However, Chris the host of Tigercast posted this on BF:
To say there are a number of shocked people would be an understatement.
I think in the fullness of time things will come to light and will show why we were as confident as we were.
Having said that, the reality is when you put your neck out on the line and it doesn’t ultimately come off, you have to cop the whacks that come with it.
And on that front it is what it is, I knew the risks.
I’ll forever stand by though that what we knew and said in those moments were very much correct, I feel very very comfortable with everything I shared and when I shared it and the validity of it at the time.
again, in fullness of time I think it will come to light why we felt that.
For now though, if you feel the need to ridicule or have your say, fair play.
Just be sure to tag me in those comments so I know you’re happy to own your comments like I’m happy to own mine!
As I’ve maintained though pick 2 is still nothing to sneeze at if that’s our ‘worst case’.
The sun comes up tomorrow!
Source: BF (https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2026-trade-free-agency-discussion-never-wanted-him-anyway.1404070/page-673#post-93333843)
-
:lol
In summary “we were talking out of our asses and were hoping we’d get lucky and be right.”
-
As an aside, we are chasing Blakey HARD.
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2026-trade-free-agency-discussion-never-wanted-him-anyway.1404070/page-672#post-93333468
I reckon we will be pretty active next year regarding free agency. We are keen on Anderson and Lachie Ash from a FA perspective, monitoring Logan Morris's situation as well, and have also been linked to Bergman.
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2026-trade-free-agency-discussion-never-wanted-him-anyway.1404070/page-672#post-93333468
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RICHMOND
The Tigers put their best foot forward in the Butters sweepstakes, with their financial play and premium draft assets likely turning Port Adelaide’s head.
But it was always hard to envisage Butters genuinely wanting to play for a team that just finished 17th and whose next premiership prospects are years away.
Otherwise, the Tigers also have plenty of money to spend, as evidenced by their heavily front-loaded $18 million offer to Butters months ago.
The club is set to spend some, but not a lot, of money on ensuring 26-year-old ruckman Kieren Briggs’ arrival as a free agent.
Outside of him, though, the Tigers, headed by seasoned list boss Blair Hartley, haven’t been linked to many names ahead of this year’s player movement period.
But after having hit the draft hard in recent years, if they were to pursue a rival name or two, they’d surely be ready-made players who could also offer leadership value to the club’s young cubs.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2026-what-zak-butters-free-agency-call-means-western-bulldogs-port-adelaide-geelong-cats-richmond-tigers/news-story/84dab1aa59e3d6d27b6cd65beeb161ef
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Where’s Tiger71 at with his 99% prediction?
Haven't seen him pop up yet on social media.
He's finally appeared on X/twitter.
Another poster: Big L for the tiger cast boys today
Tiger71: Cheers for that mate. Most thought he was cats bound, funny as of today all are saying they knew he was a dog lol. We stand by what we shared, its what we were told. Obviously by your reaction you dont rate our content, so as a gift, going to block ya.
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098701397122506987
Tiger71: The mail we had we knew the cats were not in it and the main stream media for some reason were pushing it. It came down to who could easily get a deal done and somehow the dogs convinced port they could. Hope we bid at pic 2 lol
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098702139417841993
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lol these guys are embarrassing. This was from a few pages back summarising their podcast:
“* Thinks the Dogs know they are third in the race for Butters given the talk yesterday of a plan B for them (Matt Rowell) and the re-signing of Arty Jones and Buku Khamis to long-term deals.”
But now their saying that they knew the cats weren’t in it, so who exactly were the dogs behind being the 3rd team in it?
-
It’s going to be epic when Butters picks the tigers :shh :thumbsup
:lol
-
Glad we missed Zak, would have been a big mistake for our list in my view. Now we get the chance to bring in another 3 top end kids plus Briggs and Tanner Armstrong.
Plus if Leys or Daffy are in the frame we can get them too for nothing. And a delisted free agent if they fit our list need, again for free on a 1 year deal only.
Free agents next year absolutely or even trade in mature needs players. We will likely lose a couple to Tasmania Mansell, Banks and possibly even Nank which will give us extra draft picks.
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Where’s Tiger71 at with his 99% prediction?
Haven't seen him pop up yet on social media.
He's finally appeared on X/twitter.
Another poster: Big L for the tiger cast boys today
Tiger71: Cheers for that mate. Most thought he was cats bound, funny as of today all are saying they knew he was a dog lol. We stand by what we shared, its what we were told. Obviously by your reaction you dont rate our content, so as a gift, going to block ya.
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098701397122506987
Tiger71: The mail we had we knew the cats were not in it and the main stream media for some reason were pushing it. It came down to who could easily get a deal done and somehow the dogs convinced port they could. Hope we bid at pic 2 lol
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098702139417841993
Never been a fan of Tiger71, dont follow him but others i follow on twitter do, so his post come up in my feed.
All I will say is that it is pretty weak of him to be blocking people because of the flack (rightly) they are copping for getting their Butters predictions so wrong. It you're going to put out guarantees then you cop the whacks that are coming
Just on the Butters situation will confess I wasn't fussed one way or another. It is what it is.
We were visiting friends yesterday down at Phillip Island, one of our friends mad Bulldogs a. He was clearly over the moon. He had some supposedly "inside" word on a how it supposedly played out, wont go into details as there's very little point. But was adamant that a trade will get done IF requires
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It’s going to be epic when Butters picks the tigers :shh :thumbsup
:lol
You have no idea how close it was ? :shh
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Where’s Tiger71 at with his 99% prediction?
Haven't seen him pop up yet on social media.
He's finally appeared on X/twitter.
Another poster: Big L for the tiger cast boys today
Tiger71: Cheers for that mate. Most thought he was cats bound, funny as of today all are saying they knew he was a dog lol. We stand by what we shared, its what we were told. Obviously by your reaction you dont rate our content, so as a gift, going to block ya.
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098701397122506987
Tiger71: The mail we had we knew the cats were not in it and the main stream media for some reason were pushing it. It came down to who could easily get a deal done and somehow the dogs convinced port they could. Hope we bid at pic 2 lol
https://x.com/Tiger7192926603/status/2098702139417841993
Never been a fan of Tiger71, dont follow him but others i follow on twitter do, so his post come up in my feed.
All I will say is that it is pretty weak of him to be blocking people because of the flack (rightly) they are copping for getting their Butters predictions so wrong. It you're going to put out guarantees then you cop the whacks that are coming
Just on the Butters situation will confess I wasn't fussed one way or another. It is what it is.
We were visiting friends yesterday down at Phillip Island, one of our friends mad Bulldogs a. He was clearly over the moon. He had some supposedly "inside" word on a how it supposedly played out, wont go into details as there's very little point. But was adamant that a trade will get done IF requires
What's that mean?
I doubt port will take pick 5 alone
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Glad we missed Zak, would have been a big mistake for our list in my view. Now we get the chance to bring in another 3 top end kids plus Briggs and Tanner Armstrong.
Plus if Leys or Daffy are in the frame we can get them too for nothing. And a delisted free agent if they fit our list need, again for free on a 1 year deal only.
Free agents next year absolutely or even trade in mature needs players. We will likely lose a couple to Tasmania Mansell, Banks and possibly even Nank which will give us extra draft picks.
I agree
Have said the entire way I didn’t want him
The cost was too high for where we’re at
As a side note , imagine calling Rowell a plan B for the dogs .. please let us have a crack at him
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It’s going to be epic when Butters picks the tigers :shh :thumbsup
:lol
You have no idea how close it was ? :shh
It doesn't matter how "close it was"
Facts are you and others in particular Tiger71 said he was coming to Richmond. At this point in time he doesn't want to so that means he isn't
You and others got it wrong. So own it and move on.
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What's that mean?
I doubt port will take pick 5 alone
Pick 5 is a a compo pick right?
But Port have said they will match any bid
So.....
Read what I wrote i said a trade will get done if required.
Trades involve more than just picks do they not? You know sometimes they involve players
Would think if it ends up being a trade it's pretty obvious what will happen ::)
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The inside story on the Western Bulldogs’ pitch that convinced Zak Butters to choose them over Cats, Tigers
The Western Bulldogs have won an intense, three-horse race for Zak Butters’ services. Scott Gullan has the inside story on what separated the Dogs’ pitch from the Cats’ and Tigers’.
Scott Gullan
HeraldSun
September 13, 2026
The Western Bulldogs tugged at Zak Butters’ heartstrings, emphasising how important he was as a role model to the kids of the western suburbs.
And ultimately the chance to follow his childhood dream was enough to see him commit to the red, white and blue.
When Port Adelaide visited him at his Bacchus Marsh home back in 2018, he had posters of Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli on his bedroom wall.
He loved the club that represented the west and in the end when the financial offers between Geelong and the Bulldogs were in the same ballpark, the Power star followed his heart.
But for a number of times over the past couple of months that hasn’t been the way.
“At different times everyone has been in front,” was how a member of the Butters’ camp described the battle for his services.
There was a sense it wasn’t until the Bulldogs “got real” over the last couple of weeks, increasing their financial offer – by this stage Richmond had inserted itself into the equation with a crazy $18-$19 million offer – and importantly being able to articulate how the deal could get the deal done that they edged their way back in front.
This was at the urging of coach Luke Beveridge who understood the importance more than anyone to get the superstar midfielder to the Whitten Oval.
It’s not too far of a stretch to say he realised that his short-term job security potentially hung on whether they could get Butters or not.
Key club officials took their improved strategy to the Bulldogs board and explained what was required to secure Butters, gaining the powerbrokers’ approval for the “all-in” approach: a nine-year deal that will be the biggest in the club’s history.
In the end the winning move by the Dogs was they were able to convince Butters they could get the deal done.
The last thing the Port star wanted to happen was to be left hanging like Essendon’s Zach Merrett or St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall, who failed to get to Geelong last year, even though his situation was different given he was coming out-of-contract.
He needed to be convinced a fair deal could be done with Port who he was determined to make sure they were looked after given how much he loved the club.
It’s understood he felt Geelong weren’t as clear in the pathway to getting him to GMHBA Stadium through next month’s trade period compared to the Bulldogs.
What the deal will ultimately look out will take a lot of sorting and speculation around the No. 5 draft pick the Power will get in free agency compensation for Butters leaving.
A lot of small things helped the Bulldogs.
Butters, 26, got the chance to play with Bontempelli and Ed Richards at this year’s State of Origin game and loved every minute of it.
The signing of Buku Khamis this week wasn’t just a good thing for the Dogs defence but significant in the Butters’ equation given the pair had gone to school together and remained good friends.
There was also a close relationship with forward Rhylee West which helped the situation.
The Bulldogs standing firm on All-Australian ruckman Tim English was also an important flag in the ground as they wanted to project stability to Butters.
And with Adelaide’s Jordon Butts set to come in to bolster the defence and rising superstar Sam Darcy returning from injury, it was easy for Butters to see that the Western Bulldogs were capable of elevating into a legitimate premiership threat.
Significantly Butters found himself at Tom Liberatore’s Seddon pub, the Mona Castle, with friends on Friday night as he watched Geelong fall to Fremantle in an epic semi-final.
He’d already decided he was moving just down the road to the Whitten Oval so for the boy whose heart has always been in the west, a couple of beers with the locals was the perfect celebration.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/the-inside-story-on-the-western-bulldogs-pitch-that-convinced-zak-butters-to-choose-them-over-cats-tigers/news-story/65a719a723f2480228130d9d4f4c7ce1
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The tricky part begins: How Port Adelaide and Bulldogs will thrash out Butters deal
OPTION ONE
Let Butters walk, claim first round compensation (No.5 pick). It seems unlikely the Power let Butters walk and claim nothing else.
OPTION TWO
Match the bid, force a trade. Bulldogs currently hold the No.11 and No.29 picks in this year’s draft. They also own all of their future picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts. Would two first rounders and two second rounders be enough for Butters? Power have been interested in Ryley Sanders and could ask for an established player like him to be involved in any deal. Bulldogs would love to hold onto the No.29 pick to match a bid on NGA talent Khaled El Souki, who is expected to fall around that mark.
Could it be as simple as the No.11 pick, a future first rounder and a future second rounder for Butters?
Would the Western Bulldogs be willing to trade a talented youngster instead of one of the first-round picks?
OPTION THREE
Let him walk, then complete a side trade. It would net Port Adelaide the No.5 pick in the draft, as well as a little bit more. Sanders, a 2027 first rounder and a 2028 second rounder for a 2028 first rounder would give the Power an established player and extra capital to match bids in 2027 for what could end up being a top-five pick in 2028.
If Butters’ inclusion at the Bulldogs catapults the club into premiership contention, it would end up being a pick in the 20s, a pick in the 40s and Sanders for what could be considered a top-five pick, looking at projections. That’s a trade the AFL would tick off.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/the-tricky-part-begins-how-port-adelaide-and-bulldogs-will-thrash-out-butters-deal/news-story/f6bc61207d81b87644897d2af424e71d
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SEN's Tom Morris has provided a full timeline of how it all went down.
https://x.com/1116sen/status/2099349647953469756
Mid-August: Geelong 1, Dogs 2, Tigers 3
August 24-26: Dogs up offer by $3m. Closer to Tigers and way above Cats. Also pulled on heart strings.
Last Friday: Butters had medical at Dogs & his management told the Dogs he had chosen them.
Sunday: waited until Geelong were knocked out of finals before telling them they had missed out.
https://sen.com.au/news/2026/09/13/afl-news-zak-butters-timeline-how-western-bulldogs-got-their-man
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Sunday: waited until Geelong were knocked out of finals before telling them they had missed out.
:cheers :cheers :cheers
:lol :lol :lol
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I despise the Cats. Their coach has the worst finals record of all current AFL coaches to have more than a handful of finals under their belt.
For all the hype, it is the Cats h and a record that is outstanding which is why I call the summer bay cats….
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Exclusive. Clubs to be warned ahead of the player movement period about side deals and any secret arrangements that might break AFL rules. The penalties are severe and include loss of draft picks. The league will work with Port and the Dogs on any potential deals that might be tied into pick 5 as Butters compensation but wants no hidden surprises.
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2099409295045787930
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That last sentence completely contradicts the first one. Disgrace if the afl not only allows that but assists with it.
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What's that mean?
I doubt port will take pick 5 alone
Pick 5 is a a compo pick right?
But Port have said they will match any bid
So.....
Read what I wrote i said a trade will get done if required.
Trades involve more than just picks do they not? You know sometimes they involve players
Would think if it ends up being a trade it's pretty obvious what will happen ::)
Let's see how unfolds. Jon Ralph reckons the fat lady hasn't sung yet
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That last sentence completely contradicts the first one. Disgrace if the afl not only allows that but assists with it.
If they are threatening loss of draft picks sounds like they wouldn't assist
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Sounds like Tauru to suns sadly
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Glad we missed Zak, would have been a big mistake for our list in my view. Now we get the chance to bring in another 3 top end kids plus Briggs and Tanner Armstrong.
Plus if Leys or Daffy are in the frame we can get them too for nothing. And a delisted free agent if they fit our list need, again for free on a 1 year deal only.
Free agents next year absolutely or even trade in mature needs players. We will likely lose a couple to Tasmania Mansell, Banks and possibly even Nank which will give us extra draft picks.
I actually think we may have to use a pick for Jack Leys im not so sure about Tanner Armstrong. Think he will get to the rookie draft if we take him.
I do like the f/s feel good side of the whole thing and same for giving kids out of our acadamy zone a chance.
Oh Daffey as well more likely a rookie pick if we go with him. Another good reason to turn over 10 or 12 this year
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Port Adelaide receive:
Pick 5 (compensation)
Pick 12
Future 1st Rd
Western Bulldogs receive:
Zak Butters
Todd Marshall
Tom Morris
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2099438661129683452
::)
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Glad we missed Zak, would have been a big mistake for our list in my view. Now we get the chance to bring in another 3 top end kids plus Briggs and Tanner Armstrong.
Plus if Leys or Daffy are in the frame we can get them too for nothing. And a delisted free agent if they fit our list need, again for free on a 1 year deal only.
Free agents next year absolutely or even trade in mature needs players. We will likely lose a couple to Tasmania Mansell, Banks and possibly even Nank which will give us extra draft picks.
I actually think we may have to use a pick for Jack Leys im not so sure about Tanner Armstrong. Think he will get to the rookie draft if we take him.
I do like the f/s feel good side of the whole thing and same for giving kids out of our acadamy zone a chance.
Oh Daffey as well more likely a rookie pick if we go with him. Another good reason to turn over 10 or 12 this year
T Armstrong could be a Cat B Indigeneous chance maybe?
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Port Adelaide receive:
Pick 5 (compensation)
Pick 12
Future 1st Rd
Western Bulldogs receive:
Zak Butters
Todd Marshall
Tom Morris
https://x.com/7AFL/status/2099438661129683452
::)
There is no doubt the Power and Dogs will be allowed to do a separate deal if it is fair value. But their idea of fair value will be very different to the 16 other clubs. AFL will work with them on approval. Any secret deal that bobbed up next year would be subject to penalties including draft pick removal. When clubs sign off on deals and state on camera there is no other linked deal, the AFL views it as the verbal version of a statutory declaration
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2099459144118059025
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I'm deducing that Marshall is being used as a salary dump, in addition to Butters leaving? Contracted another 3 years and playing like a potato.
Port would end up with huge cap space.
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How does Port get pick 5 as compo when they are trading Butters to the Dogs?
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How does Port get pick 5 as compo when they are trading Butters to the Dogs?
Cause they are losing butters as a fa and doing a separate trade
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How does Port get pick 5 as compo when they are trading Butters to the Dogs?
Cause they are losing butters as a fa and doing a separate trade
Because contrary to what the afl are saying about not allowing obvious side deals they are in fact allowing obvious side deals……
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This is the AFL who gave P21 or so to Geelol for Motlop for Gablett
hahaha
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The pick 5 compo in this Zak Butters deal is well and truly in play.
Separately, the complex element is clearly Todd Marshall for two firsts. But Marshall is owed more than $800k a year until 2029 so the % Port is prepared to pay for the big man to play for the Dogs is critical in getting it through.
AFL has ticked off on similar deals in the past.
- Sam Edmund
https://x.com/Sammy__Edmund/status/2099758117592686876
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Jake Riccardi remains unsigned at the Giants, with multiple Victorian clubs having interest in him as a tall forward option
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2099696070838415432
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The AFL need stop calling it a compensation pick up and call it a supplementary pick. It’s cheating but in the AFL endeavours to previously help their favourites it’s set precedents that penalise all other clubs
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Glad to see we missed on Butters i don't think he was ever going to get to us.
he is a great little player but my fear was he could drag us up to mid table on his back and deny access to enough talented kids.
How often have we seen clubs hunt the big fish in a bid to rise from the bottom only to ever finish mid table and no mans land.
Sheesh 19 mil over how many years how the hell were we going to be able to go for other free agents etc. If our kids are any good we are going to be paying plenty for them as well.
I really think if done right and it takes longer but set the whole club up with a succession plan that enables us to stay up and win at the same time.
I think Benny Gale had a vision on how to get there but lacked a vision that entailed a good succession plan to keep us there.
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Glad to see we missed on Butters i don't think he was ever going to get to us.
he is a great little player but my fear was he could drag us up to mid table on his back and deny access to enough talented kids.
How often have we seen clubs hunt the big fish in a bid to rise from the bottom only to ever finish mid table and no mans land.
Sheesh 19 mil over how many years how the hell were we going to be able to go for other free agents etc. If our kids are any good we are going to be paying plenty for them as well.
I really think if done right and it takes longer but set the whole club up with a succession plan that enables us to stay up and win at the same time.
I think Benny Gale had a vision on how to get there but lacked a vision that entailed a good succession plan to keep us there.
Yep, right on Claw. I wasn't that interested in Butters for all of those reasons. It is the long road that we are taking but I'm ok with that. I'd prefer the long road to locking up our salary cap & watching our young guns drift away to get better money. St Kilda have rolled the dice with some big deals with big contracts & it may all go down the tubes as early as this trade period. They signed up Nas to a huge $2M deal & he just might end up leaving ... oops!
The $19M 9 year deal for Butters could be a brilliant boat anchor ... dragging a club down, down down ... I'm glad we kept away from it.
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"This is not a salary dump like Jack Bowes, this is actually the opposite – this is pick purchasing."
@CalTwomey explains how the Zak Butters move can get done with free agency compensation, along with a potential trade involving Todd Marshall.
"I think there's more than one club involved"
#9FootyClassified
https://x.com/FootyonNine/status/2099837551091781985
Twomey compared this to the side deal for Brandon Starcevich the Lions and Eagles did separate (which included a third club in Freo) to the Oscar Allen compo pick last year. Doing a side deal meant the Eagles didn't lose that early first round compo pick.
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The pick 5 compo in this Zak Butters deal is well and truly in play.
Separately, the complex element is clearly Todd Marshall for two firsts. But Marshall is owed more than $800k a year until 2029 so the % Port is prepared to pay for the big man to play for the Dogs is critical in getting it through.
AFL has ticked off on similar deals in the past.
- Sam Edmund
https://x.com/Sammy__Edmund/status/2099758117592686876
Marshall being on that sort of money is utterly insane.
WB won't be able to afford it.
So it looks like Port is essentially offloading a modest player and paying for more picks for Butters (Marshall salary).
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Get Blakey!
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who cares let them set precedents for when in 5 or so years time we are in a situation to go and get a butters to challenge.
At the moment im only interested in players who cost little who we can call value add ons over the many under par players we have who have had ample time.
Id be wrapt to get a player like brady Wright VFL to replace Fawcett. Jackson Voss VFL is a better player than Trezise, Banks Brown Short atm. Theres a east perth player i really like in Jake Souta WAFL . I think Lewis Young DFA would be good kpd depth, Briggs gives us a like for like cover for Nankervis and is a huge upgrade on Ryan and the other two.
Dont know the cost to get him but Harry Oliver as a hb i loved as a junior he has huge competition for a game at GWS and could be prised out to get a regular game thru a Trade.
There is so much we could be trying and i hope we are. It doesnt have to be all nd picks
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"Nick Blakey in my view is desperate to move (clubs) at this point"
Cal Twomey via Gettable
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2100023527164481774 :)
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The Giants are still searching for a ruck.
Cal Twomey via Gettable
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2100015447911624946
Do they want Samson? ;D
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The Giants are still searching for a ruck.
Cal Twomey via Gettable
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2100015447911624946
Do they want Samson? ;D
The only team that wants Samson is Craigieburn
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The Giants are still searching for a ruck.
Cal Twomey via Gettable
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2100015447911624946
Do they want Samson? ;D
The only team that wants Samson is Craigieburn
And don't forget RFC. Long term contract extension incoming after his recent extension :rollin :wallywink
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The Giants are still searching for a ruck.
Cal Twomey via Gettable
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2100015447911624946
Do they want Samson? ;D
The only team that wants Samson is Craigieburn
And don't forget RFC. Long term contract extension incoming after his recent extension :rollin :wallywink
The beauty of this forum is that we wont be afforded the chance to forget.
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Zach Merrett will sign a four-year deal worth over $1 million a season at Hawthorn.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trades-2026-zach-merrett-agrees-to-hawthorn-contract-before-trade-from-essendon-collingwood-interest-in-carltons-flynn-riley-latest-news/news-story/49320d01ff2d0ddc4abf754643ccfd56
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CLUBS SET FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF TRADE TALKS
CLUBS will meet again for a second round of trade talks next Tuesday ahead of the official start of the player movement period.
This round of conversations will be the last time the clubs all gather before the opening day of the Trade Period on Monday, October 5.
– Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1612843
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Wonder if we’ll get our asses off the couch and actually attend this one.
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Wonder if we’ll get our asses off the couch and actually attend this one.
Port might rock up too this time
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Get Blakey!
Absolute gun
Would be sensational to get him
But the woke brigade will say no, because he was a naughty boy
If they knew what was happening at all clubs , we wouldn’t be able to field an AFL competition
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AFL football boss Greg Swann on Fox Footy tonight asked about the Butters proposed trade.
Video: https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2100154668672565756
---
“It (a memo) goes out every year ... here’s the rules, follow the rules and then everyone’s okay,” Swann told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night.
“You’d have to look at it, but on the surface, it would have to stand on its own feet. But, there’s other permutations to it ... if the debate is around they (Port Adelaide) pay money as well, you can’t do that if there’s a compensation pick paid.
“If he’s going to the Bulldogs, and you need to pay X amount of money to get to the band to get first-round compensation. Then, at the next level you get a player back, where the club has got the compensation pays (their) money, you’re manipulating the band.
“You can’t do that. In this instance, there’s been debate about us getting out of the way, but because there’s a compensation pick involved (we will).
“People are talking about two first-round picks (for Marshall). Again, we haven’t seen it and it’s only speculation. But, speaking to people today that Marshall hasn’t even said he’s going to go at the moment.
“In this instance, let’s just see what happens. There might be other things involved, there might be other picks and players involved. We are speculating a little bit, but in the main it’s got to be pretty close — or some semblance of close.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-greg-swann-warns-of-zak-butters-separate-trade-port-adelaide-power-and-western-bulldogs-free-agency-compensation-todd-marshall-for-two-first-rounders-afl-360-latest-news/news-story/7424b4ed9b1b3a2c71e3a3a057cc557b
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Amen, you can’t have your cake and eat it too , apparently .
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Get Blakey!
Absolute gun
Would be sensational to get him
But the woke brigade will say no, because he was a naughty boy
If they knew what was happening at all clubs , we wouldn’t be able to field an AFL competition
I would have rathered Butters but yes if we can somehow get a good deal here would fix a massive issue with our rebound 50’s.
Perhaps we can get a second rounder from Pies for short and add that to our second rounder knowing we’ll bid on Cochrane/Walker and get another second rounder?
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6 months older than butters & on 1m+
Clearly a good player and fills a need but it's be interesting how people justify taking him on footballing grounds.
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I would deduce that Blakey's new disaffection would indicate that he knows he is in the clear (criminally) and that the club has thrown him under the bus.
Just in terms of the 'buyer beware' warning from the AFL.
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6 months older than butters & on 1m+
Clearly a good player and fills a need but it's be interesting how people justify taking him on footballing grounds.
Can’t speak for others but assuming charges against him get dropped, for me the biggest difference between him and butters would be the asking price in a trade. Seemed like we were destined to give up 2 first rounders for butters but you could get Blakey for pennies on the dollars after recent events.
Also a salary of 1mil is a fair bit different to the 2ish mil we were gonna give butters.
Anyway I don’t expect us to be a leading contender for him if he is actually on the move.
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Clearly a good player and fills a need.....
interesting how people justify taking him on footballing grounds....
Answer and question in the same sentence.
It's not complicated mate. He's a good player and not that old. Get him in if we can.
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Toby Greene going to Geelong as an unrestricted FA.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1613110
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6 months older than butters & on 1m+
Clearly a good player and fills a need but it's be interesting how people justify taking him on footballing grounds.
Can’t speak for others but assuming charges against him get dropped, for me the biggest difference between him and butters would be the asking price in a trade. Seemed like we were destined to give up 2 first rounders for butters but you could get Blakey for pennies on the dollars after recent events.
Also a salary of 1mil is a fair bit different to the 2ish mil we were gonna give butters.
Anyway I don’t expect us to be a leading contender for him if he is actually on the move.
FWIW There are currently no charges against any of them
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I would deduce that Blakey's new disaffection would indicate that he knows he is in the clear (criminally) and that the club has thrown him under the bus.
Just in terms of the 'buyer beware' warning from the AFL.
Please tell me how the Swans have thrown him under the bus?
He was suspended by his Club for being out on the turps until 4am in the morning and being in the room where who knows what went on. He can sook all he likes, demand a trade but facts are he made a choice, clearly a very bad one and he's copped (rightly) a whack for it at Club level
Perhaps if Nicky took some responsibility, accountability for his poor choice. You know own it rather than playing the PLOM card.
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Come on WP, on paper they are suspended for being out late and drinking with women.
In reality, it's because of the circumstances that have led to the allegations. If there were no allegations or incidents they simply wouldn't have been suspended by their own club on the verge of a finals campaign, period.
That is how the Swans have thrown him under the bus from Blakey's perspective, and he appears confident that he'll be cleared by VicPol, which ultimately just leaves us with drinking after midnight heading into a week off.
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Your points make sense, if a player breaks the rules around drinking it’s usually a fine and maybe a week or two suspension .
The club / AFL have by their silence allowed the assumption of guilt. If Blakey is innocent it would be an appalling abuse of power imo by many organisations.
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Breaking - The pick purchasing Dogs/Port move is set to be stopped by the AFL.
AFL wrote to clubs today, citing a little known change in 2025 that "top-up payments will not be approved" in a trade between clubs where a free agent has also switched clubs.
AFL clarifies 'pick purchasing' rules amid Dogs-Port talks on Butters - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1613309
This essentially means that the Power and Bulldogs could still do a trade deal for players - Todd Marshall for example - but if Zak Butters left as a free agent, then the Bulldogs would have to carry all of Marshall's wage and Port would not be able to contribute to it.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2100486775185846555
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Your points make sense, if a player breaks the rules around drinking it’s usually a fine and maybe a week or two suspension .
The club / AFL have by their silence allowed the assumption of guilt. If Blakey is innocent it would be an appalling abuse of power imo by many organisations.
Great post
Amazing how quick people are to judge .. plenty of Tigers get out and about , make no mistake
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Your points make sense, if a player breaks the rules around drinking it’s usually a fine and maybe a week or two suspension .
The club / AFL have by their silence allowed the assumption of guilt. If Blakey is innocent it would be an appalling abuse of power imo by many organisations.
:shh
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Clearly a good player and fills a need.....
interesting how people justify taking him on footballing grounds....
Answer and question in the same sentence.
It's not complicated mate. He's a good player and not that old. Get him in if we can.
Yeah but my friend claw says we will be shyte either way for 6(?) years so what the point giving a guy less good and older than butters big money.
NB and Grlj looks like dynamite to me but I defer to greater minds
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Breaking - The pick purchasing Dogs/Port move is set to be stopped by the AFL.
AFL wrote to clubs today, citing a little known change in 2025 that "top-up payments will not be approved" in a trade between clubs where a free agent has also switched clubs.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1613309
This essentially means that the Power and Bulldogs could still do a trade deal for players - Todd Marshall for example - but if Zak Butters left as a free agent, then the Bulldogs would have to carry all of Marshall's wage and Port would not be able to contribute to it.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2100486775185846555
This is from the September 2025 memo regarding this change
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HSaB3W8bUAAdrAd?format=png&name=medium)
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2100509073070604721
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Gold Coast won't be progressing any further with its interest in Saints youngster Alix Tauru
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Chad Warner has made clear to Sydney he is returning next year and isn’t considering a move to WC. Sydney obviously very keen to keep him. Discussions across the last week have made clear both parties are on the same page. Blakey still the most likely to ask for a trade.
https://x.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/2100841042123559058
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Greater Western Sydney key forward Jake Riccardi is likely to nominate Essendon as the club he wants to play for in 2027 and beyond.
https://www.zerohanger.com/greater-western-sydney-key-forwards-likely-trade-landing-spot-revealed-182964/
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Greater Western Sydney key forward Jake Riccardi is likely to nominate Essendon as the club he wants to play for in 2027 and beyond.
https://www.zerohanger.com/greater-western-sydney-key-forwards-likely-trade-landing-spot-revealed-182964/
One player probably worth a look for an upgrade on Lefau and more depth if (when) Lynch gets hurt.
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St Kilda is open to offers for second-year defender Alix Tauru.
Multiple clubs were told at today's informal round of trade catch ups that the Saints would listen to offers for the contracted 19-year-old.
It's been a dramatic fortnight for Tauru. Toured Gold Coast, Saints offered a new four-year deal, Gold Coast pulled out after not wanting to go more than their level in offer, Tauru keen to stay at Saints and now rival clubs told today that St Kilda will listen to trade offers.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2102207551983251744
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Well if the club is keen then they have the perfect starting point with the saints reported interest in short, or even if it’s short to the pies and Houston to the saints and Tauru coming to us + whatever pick swaps are put in as a sweetener.
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Tauru would be outstanding
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Well if the club is keen then they have the perfect starting point with the saints reported interest in short, or even if it’s short to the pies and Houston to the saints and Tauru coming to us + whatever pick swaps are put in as a sweetener.
Id give them our future first and the kid a big bag to get it over the line.
Do short separate, f or the best possibile pick / pick upgrade
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Well if the club is keen then they have the perfect starting point with the saints reported interest in short, or even if it’s short to the pies and Houston to the saints and Tauru coming to us + whatever pick swaps are put in as a sweetener.
Id give them our future first and the kid a big bag to get it over the line.
Do short separate, f or the best possibile pick / pick upgrade
Wouldn’t be interested at that price our future 1st is almost certainly still a top 5 pick. He wasn’t even drafted that high to begin with, has played mostly in the reserves and the saints are putting him on the table.
To me our 1st round picks aren’t on the table unless we are getting well overs in return.
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You have to present a deal good enough for stk to accept.
If we finish 3rd last it ends up being about the tenth(?) best player in the pool.
Would be very keen on Patrick Retschko and Alix Tauru bolstering the lalor crop as our core going forward.
Was leaning towards taking him at the smillie pick and I think he's shown good stuff if with the question marks so far in afl
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Joel Amartey will inform Sydney tomorrow that he intends to join @CarltonFC as a free agent. He's made his mind up.
@7NewsMelbourne @7AFL @1116sen
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/2102241596683255917
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You have to present a deal good enough for stk to accept.
If we finish 3rd last it ends up being about the tenth(?) best player in the pool.
Would be very keen on Patrick Retschko and Alix Tauru bolstering the lalor crop as our core going forward.
Was leaning towards taking him at the smillie pick and I think he's shown good stuff if with the question marks so far in afl
The saints have informed teams that they are welcome to offers.
Tauru and his management have made it known they would like to explore their options (although I suspect it was just done as a leverage move).
Both of these moves slide his value.
If we finish 3rd last we would have pick 6 (not withstanding compos, father sons, academies, etc.). We could very well finish last which gives us pick 2 of second last is pick 4. I wouldn’t be offering any of those at face value.
They are interested in a player of ours. We have a couple of picks around the 20 mark, if the player wants out and we are keen and he nominates us, that would be close to all I’d be offering.
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You have to present a deal good enough for stk to accept.
If we finish 3rd last it ends up being about the tenth(?) best player in the pool.
Would be very keen on Patrick Retschko and Alix Tauru bolstering the lalor crop as our core going forward.
Was leaning towards taking him at the smillie pick and I think he's shown good stuff if with the question marks so far in afl
The saints have informed teams that they are welcome to offers.
Tauru and his management have made it known they would like to explore their options (although I suspect it was just done as a leverage move).
Both of these moves slide his value.
If we finish 3rd last we would have pick 6 (not withstanding compos, father sons, academies, etc.). We could very well finish last which gives us pick 2 of second last is pick 4. I wouldn’t be offering any of those at face value.
They are interested in a player of ours. We have a couple of picks around the 20 mark, if the player wants out and we are keen and he nominates us, that would be close to all I’d be offering.
Dont need to exchange picks as both Pies & Saints looking to off-load contract $'s, therefore it could be a player exchange and salary dump exercise.
Short to Pies
Houston to Saints
Tauru to Tigers + Houston salary difference between he & Short
Tauru get a contract extension by 2 years with better $s as well.
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You have to present a deal good enough for stk to accept.
If we finish 3rd last it ends up being about the tenth(?) best player in the pool.
Would be very keen on Patrick Retschko and Alix Tauru bolstering the lalor crop as our core going forward.
Was leaning towards taking him at the smillie pick and I think he's shown good stuff if with the question marks so far in afl
The saints have informed teams that they are welcome to offers.
Tauru and his management have made it known they would like to explore their options (although I suspect it was just done as a leverage move).
Both of these moves slide his value.
If we finish 3rd last we would have pick 6 (not withstanding compos, father sons, academies, etc.). We could very well finish last which gives us pick 2 of second last is pick 4. I wouldn’t be offering any of those at face value.
They are interested in a player of ours. We have a couple of picks around the 20 mark, if the player wants out and we are keen and he nominates us, that would be close to all I’d be offering.
Dont need to exchange picks as both Pies & Saints looking to off-load contract $'s, therefore it could be a player exchange and salary dump exercise.
Short to Pies
Houston to Saints
Tauru to Tigers + Houston salary difference between he & Short
Tauru get a contract extension by 2 years with better $s as well.
This can’t possibly happen
No way StK accept that
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Would anyone be keen on houston?
Short for Houston, we pay both contracts, I dunno, something like that.
Could be a mid option
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No I would not want 30 year Dan Houston unless it's a salary dump and we get proper compensating draft picks
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No I would not want 30 year Dan Houston unless it's a salary dump and we get proper compensating draft picks
I agree with this
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Houston + P9 (dump)
For Short + 20
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No thanks, Short was at least good in a good side, Houston has been poohouse for the Pies.
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Yes Tauru was a high pick two years ago, but alarm bells must be ringing if the Saints are shopping him already.
If it's a Saints issue, and not a Tauru issue, we could go our Future 1st to Port, Ports pick 5 to Saints, Tauru to Tiges.
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"He's indicated to people an interest in Geelong.. at this point I think it's looking more unlikely that he moves than likely"
- Cal Twomey on Nick Blakey
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2102366013727895878
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Geelong fmd haha
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Zak Butters:
"9-year deal, $2 million per year. Chose the Dogs and has been celebrating with Dogs people the last week or so. AFL got involved in their deal. Dogs furious and it is back to the drawing board on how this deal gets done."
- @Sammy__Edmund
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2102600029437567145
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Alix Tauru:
"Ideally St Kilda wants to keep Alix Tauru. The whole thing has confused St Kilda. The fact that he toured another club confused the club. Other clubs are now trying to get their heads around this and what it would cost as well."
- @CalTwomey
"Tensions at an all time high. St Kilda have set a precedent paying Phillipou a million dollars. The manager simply is saying, we want what he is getting. I think St Kilda are being played against St Kilda here by his manager."
- Josh Jenkins
https://x.com/traderadio/
Nick Blakey:
"He has told people he has interest in the Cats. The Cats are aware of this, but they haven't made a move on this yet. There needs to be a lot of boxes to be ticked for any of the Sydney five that could be on the move."
- @CalTwomey
"The Sydney five returned to Sydney today. Blakey is frustrated with the club and there is some frustration from club to player as well. He is unhappy with the whole process and his name being involved in it all. Contracted until 2031. He is a watch"
- Sam Edmund
https://x.com/traderadio
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$1m for Phillipou, are they utterly insane?
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Apparently Bailey MacDonald(hawks. 22. 182)
linked to us via CalTwomey on AFL gettable
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Yes Tauru was a high pick two years ago, but alarm bells must be ringing if the Saints are shopping him already.
If it's a Saints issue, and not a Tauru issue, we could go our Future 1st to Port, Ports pick 5 to Saints, Tauru to Tiges.
It’s the Saints. Lock and load him for Shorty and a second or third rounder
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From Josh Gabelich Twitter aka X
Richmond is chasing GWS key forward Jake Riccardi. The Giants have a three-year deal in front of the 26yo, but the Tigers and Essendon have tabled more lucrative offers to return to Victoria @AFLcomau tinyurl.com/ahbwnp4a
https://x.com/JoshGabelich/status/2103000383543230655
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:shh
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He won’t come.
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He won’t come.
Briggs and Riccardi would be pretty sweet
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He won’t come.
Briggs and Riccardi would be pretty sweet
Briggs was delisted by GWS.
Riccardi is actually someone wanted elsewhere which is why he won’t come here
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Let's not forget Briggs wasn't even our first choice. :shh
We really are turning into a Basketcase.
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I’d rather have Briggs than Madden.
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Let's not forget Briggs wasn't even our first choice. :shh
We really are turning into a Basketcase.
Turned
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I’d rather have Briggs than Madden.
Not what GWS were thinking
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Who cares?
For where our list is currently at, I would rather have a 26 year old almost 100 gamer in Briggs then an athletic but extremely unproven 10 gamer in madden. Especially when we may be drafting a 18 year old ruck in a couple months time.
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Bailey Macdonald has signed a three-year contract extension to stay at
@HawthornFC
until the end of 2029. Knocked back significant interest from Richmond
@AFLcomau
https://x.com/JoshGabelich/status/2103282697481400709
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Who cares?
For where our list is currently at, I would rather have a 26 year old almost 100 gamer in Briggs then an athletic but extremely unproven 10 gamer in madden. Especially when we may be drafting a 18 year old ruck in a couple months time.
You sound a little like you are on the payroll at Richmond.
It’s not exactly a high performance mindset.
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@ClarkyHeraldSun
Melbourne has backed down on making a play for St Kilda’s Alix Tauru. Dees had some interest but million-dollar price tag from management has caused tremors around the league. Saints hopeful of striking four-year extension. Devils keen, too
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From Josh Gabelich Twitter aka X
Richmond is chasing GWS key forward Jake Riccardi. The Giants have a three-year deal in front of the 26yo, but the Tigers and Essendon have tabled more lucrative offers to return to Victoria @AFLcomau tinyurl.com/ahbwnp4a
https://x.com/JoshGabelich/status/2103000383543230655
TIGERS CHASE GIANTS FORWARD
RICHMOND is chasing out-of-contract Greater Western Sydney key forward Jake Riccardi.
The Giants have a three-year offer on the table to retain the Victorian, but have revised it in recent times.
Riccardi has been assessing his options across 2026 and has more lucrative offers on the table to depart GWS and head home.
AFL.com.au reported Essendon's interest earlier this month, which is in the region where Riccardi went to school at St Bernard's College.
The Tigers are understood to have made a late move for the 26-year-old after already landing a commitment to sign Giants ruckman Kieren Briggs as a free agent when that window opens next Friday.
Riccardi has played 98 games for GWS since being plucked from Werribee after winning the Fothergill-Mitchell-Round Medal in 2019.
The 198cm tall forward kicked a career-high 35 goals in 2023, while last year he played as a second ruck, kicking 23 goals while averaging seven hitouts a game.
Veteran Giants forwards Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer are departing the club, creating more opportunities in 2027 and beyond.
But with offers of 3-4 years to move elsewhere, Riccardi faces a big decision while he travels through South America currently.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1619355/inside-trading-intrigue-around-compo-packages-cat-to-meet-bombers-new-deal-for-flag-lion
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Who cares?
For where our list is currently at, I would rather have a 26 year old almost 100 gamer in Briggs then an athletic but extremely unproven 10 gamer in madden. Especially when we may be drafting a 18 year old ruck in a couple months time.
You sound a little like you are on the payroll at Richmond.
It’s not exactly a high performance mindset.
No mate, I just don’t feel the need to use every thread on the forum as a way to doom and gloom the club.
Give me an actual proven afl ruck over a project player with 10 games experience any day of the week.
We already have 3 project rucks on the list.
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From round 9-18 he was one of the elite rucks in the game.
Several 7 tackle games. Clearances. 50+ hit our game etc.
That's reasonably high 'high performance mindset' imho at that price.
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Who cares?
For where our list is currently at, I would rather have a 26 year old almost 100 gamer in Briggs then an athletic but extremely unproven 10 gamer in madden. Especially when we may be drafting a 18 year old ruck in a couple months time.
You sound a little like you are on the payroll at Richmond.
It’s not exactly a high performance mindset.
No mate, I just don’t feel the need to use every thread on the forum as a way to doom and gloom the club.
Give me an actual proven afl ruck over a project player with 10 games experience any day of the week.
We already have 3 project rucks on the list.
It’s not doom and gloom. It is fact based.
Find me a better 3 year period EVER in our clubs history and I will back down.
I lived through the last period of malaise back in the early 80’s through until when Dimma, Peggy and Benny joined.
I learned not to blindly accept what the club told me.
We have no substance. From CEO down.
You don’t see that obviously.
A cult like attachment to the club is the antithesis of scrutiny.
It’s interesting that you cannot build a case that constructively opposes anything you stated that i am stating is doom and gloom. Would be happy to debate it.
BTW, I am happy to say Lloyd Meek has built a decent career at the Hawks after 15 games at Freo.
Perhaps not as athletic as your criteria but my point is our ability to bring a player wanted by his home club where Richmond are actually competing for the player.
Our net deficit stands at 5
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You can be down on the club atm and rightly so, I agree with much of what you’re saying. But you repeat end on end on every thread on this forum.
You also do it to a point where even if something positive which goes against your narrative occurs you spin it back into a negative.
You’ve said many times richmond cannot attract any players. True for the most part but such is being a bottom 4 club. West coast is one of the biggest clubs and has atleast a 50% monopoly on WA players who want to move home, and they haven’t managed to lure any big names to them while they have been down too. It’s just the cycle of footy.
Yet when I simply point out that we have atleast managed to lure in Briggs, you firstly dismiss it because he is a delisted player, which is ignoring the fact that he is an UFA, and as one, the giants don’t have any right to match and force a trade, meaning they were forced to delist him. Then you claim he wasn’t our first target, and maybe that’s right but imo he is a better fit for our list right now at 26 and approx. 90 games then a 22 year old 10 game project player.
That isn’t to say we need to be throwing a party because we have reportedly secured 1 player, I have said many times that the footy department are sleeping atm and need to be working harder to 1st delist the many out of contract list cloggers and secondly get on the hunt for mid 20s, 100 game players that can help bridge the gap between our last dynasty and our new cubs coming through.
You can call it blind loyalty if you’d like, but I’d rather be able to form a balanced opinion than look for the negative on every report because your disillusioned with where the club sits atm.
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You can be down on the club atm and rightly so, I agree with much of what you’re saying. But you repeat end on end on every thread on this forum.
You also do it to a point where even if something positive which goes against your narrative occurs you spin it back into a negative.
You’ve said many times richmond cannot attract any players. True for the most part but such is being a bottom 4 club. West coast is one of the biggest clubs and has atleast a 50% monopoly on WA players who want to move home, and they haven’t managed to lure any big names to them while they have been down too. It’s just the cycle of footy.
Yet when I simply point out that we have atleast managed to lure in Briggs, you firstly dismiss it because he is a delisted player, which is ignoring the fact that he is an UFA, and as one, the giants don’t have any right to match and force a trade, meaning they were forced to delist him. Then you claim he wasn’t our first target, and maybe that’s right but imo he is a better fit for our list right now at 26 and approx. 90 games then a 22 year old 10 game project player.
That isn’t to say we need to be throwing a party because we have reportedly secured 1 player, I have said many times that the footy department are sleeping atm and need to be working harder to 1st delist the many out of contract list cloggers and secondly get on the hunt for mid 20s, 100 game players that can help bridge the gap between our last dynasty and our new cubs coming through.
You can call it blind loyalty if you’d like, but I’d rather be able to form a balanced opinion than look for the negative on every report because your disillusioned with where the club sits atm.
OER best post of 2026
No personal attacks , yet providing a really valid opinion
I am in the camp of “the worlds stuffed”, regardless of footy
It’s why I have chosen to reside abroad for the time being
But this post genuinely resonated with me for some reason
And I’m the opposite of some soft sissy
For me, great post TK, thank you
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It’s not balanced TK.
West Coast have picked up Baker, Young and Graham from Richmond and also Starcevich from Brisbane. They are miles ahead in regeneration of list with recruitment of players from other clubs - with Richmond being the major victim.
I’ve stated both Ratten and also Selwyn Griffith were positive appointments.
So again. You are just wrong.
I see mediocrity at the club. I called it before the season started.
Unfortunately, that won’t change until there is more change - particularly at CEO level.
I don’t just think this, I know it. Maybe i have seen more than you but this mirrors our last period post flag eras from 68-82.
It’s scary. And the issue then as now started at the top.
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You can be down on the club atm and rightly so, I agree with much of what you’re saying. But you repeat end on end on every thread on this forum.
You also do it to a point where even if something positive which goes against your narrative occurs you spin it back into a negative.
You’ve said many times richmond cannot attract any players. True for the most part but such is being a bottom 4 club. West coast is one of the biggest clubs and has atleast a 50% monopoly on WA players who want to move home, and they haven’t managed to lure any big names to them while they have been down too. It’s just the cycle of footy.
Yet when I simply point out that we have atleast managed to lure in Briggs, you firstly dismiss it because he is a delisted player, which is ignoring the fact that he is an UFA, and as one, the giants don’t have any right to match and force a trade, meaning they were forced to delist him. Then you claim he wasn’t our first target, and maybe that’s right but imo he is a better fit for our list right now at 26 and approx. 90 games then a 22 year old 10 game project player.
That isn’t to say we need to be throwing a party because we have reportedly secured 1 player, I have said many times that the footy department are sleeping atm and need to be working harder to 1st delist the many out of contract list cloggers and secondly get on the hunt for mid 20s, 100 game players that can help bridge the gap between our last dynasty and our new cubs coming through.
You can call it blind loyalty if you’d like, but I’d rather be able to form a balanced opinion than look for the negative on every report because your disillusioned with where the club sits atm.
OER best post of 2026
No personal attacks , yet providing a really valid opinion
I am in the camp of “the worlds stuffed”, regardless of footy
It’s why I have chosen to reside abroad for the time being
But this post genuinely resonated with me for some reason
And I’m the opposite of some soft sissy
For me, great post TK, thank you
I have huge respect for you Damo.
I also really appreciate TK’s positivity.
So, in that context please understand - I wish I was wrong and you were right.
But, that is simply not the case.
We are an unmitigated joke of a club.
We are irrelevant.
The last card to fall will be the bottom line but it’s coming fast.
God knows I wish I was wrong but it’s just not the case.
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Appreciate the post HRT
Maybe the reality of where we are at as a club, falls between your opinion and TK’s opinion
Thanks again for the post
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Thanks Damo, much appreciated :cheers
HRT, no issue with you mate. Like I said I agree with a lot of youre criticisms. I have big issues with Yze, the footy department and CEO/Pres. I just think in being disillusioned with those things, you are starting to find the negatives even in small and fleeting positives.
Also disagree with West Coast being miles ahead. They have won the same number of games as us over the last 3 seasons including 1 spoon. We also haven’t lost to them in 2 or 3 years. They started their rebuild atleast 2 seasons before us so even if they are ahead which imo they aren’t, they’ve had a 2 year head start so they bloody well should be. Theyve taken Baker, Young and Graham from us, the later 2 most were glad to see the back of, so we can’t then turn around and paint that as a negative.
Let’s see how we go next season. We’re 3 years into a heavy rebuild - it’s gonna take a bit of time. To me we just need our draftees from 2024-26 to get on the park and get a solid 15 games experience. Our improvement will come from them and some solid mature bodies to fill in the gap. Hopefully our new fitness boss can achieve this and if he does and yze is still dishing up the same uncompetitive crap, then I very much expect him to get the boot.
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All good lads. As i said, i hope i am wrong but think change off field will be the only way things will help us on field.
In w/l’s and % it’s the worst 3 years ever for our club. As Ross Lyon once said, the scoreboard is the best form of feedback
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It’s not balanced TK.
West Coast have picked up Baker, Young and Graham from Richmond and also Starcevich from Brisbane. They are miles ahead in regeneration of list with recruitment of players from other clubs - with Richmond being the major victim.
I’ve stated both Ratten and also Selwyn Griffith were positive appointments.
So again. You are just wrong.
I see mediocrity at the club. I called it before the season started.
Unfortunately, that won’t change until there is more change - particularly at CEO level.
I don’t just think this, I know it. Maybe i have seen more than you but this mirrors our last period post flag eras from 68-82.
It’s scary. And the issue then as now started at the top.
Baker , Graham and even Young nothing to ride home there they have already played their best footy.
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My point is more that West Coast are least able to attract talent while ours is ironically being drained to the same club.
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Foxfooty.com.au takes a fresh look at the trade state of play at every AFL club.
RICHMOND
Players who could arrive
It’s almost a fait accompli that ruckman Kieren Briggs gets to Richmond as a free agent, having progressively fallen out of favour at the Giants under Adam Kingsley. Briggs is set to offer support for captain Toby Nankervis.
Another Giant, key forward Jake Riccardi, has been linked to a potential Punt Road move more recently, as the club presumably eyes more experience in the forward half to aid the youngsters — and with a Tom Lynch retirement likely coming next year.
Otherwise, Blair Hartley and the list management crew could assess veteran options to help guide Richmond’s next generation of highly-touted youth.
After missing out on Zak Butters this year, expect the Tigers to throw their hat in the ring for Victorian Matt Rowell next year.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-end-of-season-trade-state-of-play-every-clubs-free-agency-and-trade-targets-players-out-of-contract-delistings-analysis-latest-news/news-story/f55f7141cbd73073ae4af4265dc4c1be
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Freo ruck gettable?
SEN’s Tom Morris says that Sean Darcy’s future at Fremantle is a talking point.
The 28-year-old is contracted with the Dockers until the end of 2030 but has not played at senior level since Round 17.
Morris says Darcy, who was overlooked for Mason Cox during Freo’s finals series, is wanted by some clubs in Melbourne including Richmond.
“The future of Sean Darcy at Fremantle (is in the air). Fremantle will say he’s going nowhere,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Sean Darcy might say I’m happy here. He’s contracted at the Dockers for a long period of time but clubs in Melbourne believe they can make a play for him.
“I’m looking at Richmond, I’m looking at any other club that needs a ruck as well. Then it’s what Freo can get back in return.”
Darcy signed a monster six-year extension in 2023 which has him tied to the Dockers for another four seasons.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/09/28/afl-trade-2026-trade-news-trade-radio-afl-player-movement-day-1
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Cal Twomey is reporting that Alix Tauru now wants to stay at St Kilda.
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2104412456403525771
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"It (Butters deal) is a bit of a standstill. There have been discussions on how it will work. I think we will see the FA compo (Pick 5), then I think we might see a mega deal as a subsidary of this deal. Pick slides, multiple teams, multiple players could be involved."
- Cal on how the Butters deal may work
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2104397781939229081
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Cal Twomey reporting multiple clubs interested in Kiddy Coleman.
Brandon Walker is another I like
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“The Pies are making some move to get some pieces around him (Lachie Neale) as well, Jesse Hogan on a two-year deal, there is a chance they’ll have pick 9 they could slide that down with pick 11 with Carlton they can an extra second rounder potentially bring in Jayden Short which they got real interest in him, that will be a quality move. They will still be able to take their first two picks to the draft.”
Via - Jon Ralph, @FoxFooty
https://x.com/IncrediblyBozza/status/2104516664662385061
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"Multiple clubs and multiple picks. The Power will try and get their hands on the compo pick, as well as the Dogs first pick (Pick 12). There is going to be different elements to this deal. They are all about picks for their kids next year at the top of the draft."
- Sam Edmund on how the Zak Butters deal may look
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2104689172074357205
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If Port do get the pick 5 compo for Butters, I'd hope we'd be going after it. Swap our future first. Gives Port an early pick next year they need for their F-S/NGA while we get two goes at the top 5 this year. We can trade back into the first round next year as Tassie has to trade a number of their mid-range first rounders. Either Hopper and/or Mansell.
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If Port do get the pick 5 compo for Butters, I'd hope we'd be going after it. Swap our future first. Gives Port an early pick next year they need for their F-S/NGA while we get two goes at the top 5 this year. We can trade back into the first round next year as Tassie has to trade a number of their mid-range first rounders. Either Hopper and/or Mansell.
Essendon fans very confident it'll be 1 (and something?) for 4 and 5
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Assuming port use that pick 1 to get someone other than Cochrane, how do they plan to match our Cochrane bid at #2 considering their next picks are in the 20s?
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Assuming port use that pick 1 to get someone other than Cochrane, how do they plan to match our Cochrane bid at #2 considering their next picks are in the 20s?
Great point, they'd have to trade in 2 other firsts from somewhere
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Jake Riccardi is set to stay at Greater Western Sydney on a four-year deal.
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Assuming port use that pick 1 to get someone other than Cochrane, how do they plan to match our Cochrane bid at #2 considering their next picks are in the 20s?
Great point, they'd have to trade in 2 other firsts from somewhere
Yeah that’s why that rumour never made sense to me.
Get that they’d ideally like to get a pick in before the bid comes, but with the new rules making bid matching a lot harder, they need to somehow get their hands on 2 top 10ish picks to match the bid at #2.
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Jake Riccardi is set to stay at Greater Western Sydney on a four-year deal.
He's turned his back on offers from Richmond and Essendon to stick with the Giants. More on @AFLcomau @TradeRadio
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2104772889031647388
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Former Collingwood star Bobby Hill has launched an audacious comeback bid, declaring he's once again ready to 'win games for teams'.
Speaking for the first time since parting ways with the Pies, Hill says his love for the game has been reignited.
https://x.com/9NewsMelb/status/2104816759027151054
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Would take him on a modest contract provided the club do their due diligence. Will have just turned 27 at the start of the season so physically should still have another hand full of years in him.
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Hill definitely has the x factor. Agree provided the club exercises due diligence maybe worth the risk.
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Take him with the additional ' First Nations list spot
' - effectively a fourth Category B spot
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Lachie Whitfield looks likely to become a Blue in 2027 after completing a medical at the club on Tuesday.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trades-2026-giants-halfback-lachie-whitfield-completes-carlton-medical-as-move-looms-adelaides-nick-murray-requests-trade-latest-news/news-story/db842d115c6dce332372de7db0ad6227
Melbourne more likely now to turn their attention towards wanting Short.
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We don't need him, after all we have Maurice and Steely!!!!!
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Would take him on a modest contract provided the club do their due diligence. Will have just turned 27 at the start of the season so physically should still have another hand full of years in him.
He was released by Collingwood not that long ago.
Gotta wonder what happened for him to quit in the first place, yet apparently be ready to play again.
Red flags everywhere for me.
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Former Collingwood star Bobby Hill has launched an audacious comeback bid, declaring he's once again ready to 'win games for teams'.
Speaking for the first time since parting ways with the Pies, Hill says his love for the game has been reignited.
https://x.com/9NewsMelb/status/2104816759027151054
Code for I need the money. Wouldn't touch him with a barge pole. Would be surprised if anyone does.
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Sydney Stack MKII
Chris Yarran MKI
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Ss played 17 games in a flag winning year and played in vfl flag.
There is literally a free , bonus rookie spot for an aboriginal
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Take him with the additional ' First Nations list spot
' - effectively a fourth Category B spot
Bobby Hill cannot be a category B rookie
As he has was on an AFL list this season
Can only be Cat B rookie after being off a list for 12 months
-
Take him with the additional ' First Nations list spot
' - effectively a fourth Category B spot
Bobby Hill cannot be a category B rookie
As he has was on an AFL list this season
Can only be Cat B rookie after being off a list for 12 months
Jake Niall
The AFL will allow clubs an extra list spot for First Nations players – including senior players who have been delisted – as part of the league’s push to arrest the decline of its Indigenous playing ranks
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/afl-green-lights-rookie-list-rule-change-20260922-p60zjo.html
Edit: post the link when you copy a quote from elsewhere.
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Butters’ determination to see Port Adelaide properly compensated in any exchange was far from overplayed. The specifics of a trade was a big issue for Port, but also a big issue for its departing star.
In the eyes of the Power, Richmond stood to offer the best deal, Geelong the opposite and in between was the Bulldogs.
He wants to go home to Victoria, but he also wants to win. This was what kept a rebuilding Richmond at arms-length despite the Tigers also meeting with Butters.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/09/29/afl-news-zak-butters-decision-why-he-chose-western-bulldogs-over-geelong
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Geelong has offered pick 32 with later selections involved to Geelong for Rowan Marshall.
St Kilda has told Geelong pick 14 (currently) must be involved in the deal for Rowan Marshall.
- Sam McClure
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2105051913452675097
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Former Collingwood star Bobby Hill has launched an audacious comeback bid, declaring he's once again ready to 'win games for teams'.
Speaking for the first time since parting ways with the Pies, Hill says his love for the game has been reignited.
https://x.com/9NewsMelb/status/2104816759027151054
Code for I need the money. Wouldn't touch him with a barge pole. Would be surprised if anyone does.
Exactly.
See if Stengle does it too.
Happy to go on personal leave while the money is there. Club cuts them loose and suddenly they want to play again.
As C Scott said, it's a business, not a charity.
Geelong has offered pick 32 with later selections involved to Geelong for Rowan Marshall.
St Kilda has told Geelong pick 14 (currently) must be involved in the deal for Rowan Marshall.
- Sam McClure
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2105051913452675097
P14 to be involved for Marshall, honestly I don't disagree too strongly - am weary of seeing the Cats get good players at discounted rates.
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"We have evolved in this space and we are open-minded where a club can use salary cup space to look at pick purchasing but the way the rules are written a player must be aligned to that."
Justin Reid on pick purchasing
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2105122781621092668
Not getting Butters means we have huge salary cap space to pick purchase.
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If Port do get the pick 5 compo for Butters, I'd hope we'd be going after it. Swap our future first. Gives Port an early pick next year they need for their F-S/NGA while we get two goes at the top 5 this year. We can trade back into the first round next year as Tassie has to trade a number of their mid-range first rounders. Either Hopper and/or Mansell.
Essendon fans very confident it'll be 1 (and something?) for 4 and 5
"The Bombers have made it clear they are highly unlikely to trade pick one. The cost of pick one would have to be astronomical."
- Cal Twomey
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2105125468555125238
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The issue for me around a COMPENSATION pick is it’s was to compensate a club if a player walked into draft and they didn’t get anything back.
He the illogical scenario ,it’s now being floated as just a part the deal by all the player and club deceitful agents and their toadies in the media to game the system. This system of compensation picks disadvantages all the struggling clubs and advantages the stronger clubs.
I would suggest a fair way to go is as the competition pick is usually at a reduced amount to the players worth the club receiving the player pays equivalent to the compensation pick set by the AFL.
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Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney have come to an agreement on a fourth-round pick trade for Jesse Hogan.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1625740/inside-trading-hogan-deal-unlocked-bombers-unlikely-to-part-with-pick-no1-dee-weighs-decision
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Take him with the additional ' First Nations list spot
' - effectively a fourth Category B spot
Bobby Hill cannot be a category B rookie
As he has was on an AFL list this season
Can only be Cat B rookie after being off a list for 12 months
Jake Niall
The AFL will allow clubs an extra list spot for First Nations players – including senior players who have been delisted – as part of the league’s push to arrest the decline of its Indigenous playing ranks
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/afl-green-lights-rookie-list-rule-change-20260922-p60zjo.html
Edit: post the link when you copy a quote from elsewhere.
Apologies i read the AFL rules incorrectly
Hill cannot be delisted by Collingwood and then drafted as a Cat B rookie by them
-
Take him with the additional ' First Nations list spot
' - effectively a fourth Category B spot
Bobby Hill cannot be a category B rookie
As he has was on an AFL list this season
Can only be Cat B rookie after being off a list for 12 months
Jake Niall
The AFL will allow clubs an extra list spot for First Nations players – including senior players who have been delisted – as part of the league’s push to arrest the decline of its Indigenous playing ranks
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/afl-green-lights-rookie-list-rule-change-20260922-p60zjo.html
Edit: post the link when you copy a quote from elsewhere.
Apologies i read the AFL rules incorrectly
Hill cannot be delisted by Collingwood and drafted as a Cat B rookie
My understanding is he can. Just, not to Collingwood.
The AFL First Nations Rookie rule explicitly states that the 12-month ban only applies to the club that did the delisting (Collingwood).
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My understanding is he can. Just, not to Collingwood.
The AFL First Nations Rookie rule explicitly states that the 12-month ban only applies to the club that did the delisting (Collingwood).
That's what I meant
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Multiple rival clubs saying St Kilda is open to trading Mattaes Phillipou should the right deal present.
Don't expect to see him part of any Zak Butters exchange and hard to see where the active interest may lie given he's contracted until 2028 on a seven-figure deal per season.
https://x.com/Sammy__Edmund/status/2105453828774756781
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Lol
Will take their first rounder if they need to salary dump
Otherwise gagf
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Honestly we are probably the only team who could afford him.
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"If I was Richmond, I would start now." - @camluke
Should the Tigers be preparing to go after Logan Morris at the end of the 2029 season already?
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2105502126667682098
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"At this stage it's looking like a draft focus"
Cal Twomey on Richmond's upcoming off-season (via Gettable)
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2105520999957696920
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The Swans will be advised today on their compensation pick for losing Amartey. - Carlton.
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Calsher Dear staying at hawthorn.
Id be trying to get him in 12 months
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Callum Twomey reckons Keidean Coleman wants out
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"You just wonder whether it opens the door for a play at Mabior Chol."
- Damian Barrett on Calsher Dear staying at the Hawks
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2105886096634921088
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Mega 18-club AFL trade guide
Jack Jovanovski and Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
October 4th, 2026
The 2026 trade period opens for business on Monday, as free agency heats up in a big way.
Foxfooty.com.au explores what your club is expected to try and get done over the coming days.
RICHMOND
The Tigers officially secured ruckman Kieren Briggs’ commitment on the first day of free agency.
But as far as additional pursuits go, there doesn’t look to be much in Richmond’s pipeline after late throws at the stumps for GWS’ Jake Riccardi and Hawthorn’s Bailey Macdonald missed the mark.
From that, we can glean that the Tigers are on the lookout for forward-half key-position depth and experience, while the club could use some more quality across half-back — irrespective of Jayden Short’s potential departure. Dual premiership winner Short has expressed an openness to exploring rival opportunities, with Collingwood and Melbourne looming as the likeliest destinations.
A prospective second-round pick via trade would assist the Tigers in having one more big crack at the draft in November before Tasmania monopolises it next year, with the club set to gain a second-rounder on draft night when a rival bid on Dougie Cochrane will be matched by Port Adelaide in the top five.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trades-2026-every-clubs-guide-to-trade-period-and-free-agency-targets-players-my-team-is-linked-to-analysis-latest-news/news-story/ebe0fc817d2c33858c2510d78eaf05da
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If we somehow secure P27 for Short, we may as well just hit the draft again with 2, 19, 20, 27 before slides.
I'm actually in favour of essentially carrying a spot into the MSD and just seeing what we desperately need at the time. There are players on the list I wouldn't bother extending and if we have another injury crisis we know the AFL will let us field a VFL player.
Come the MSD just see if there's any good 23-28 aged forwards or whatever we need and have a punt then.
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All
Good and well Andy but if we keep doing that it says 2 things to me.
1. We have botched some high picks in recent times
2. We are 8 years away from competing and 2027 is the year we actually bottom out so be prepared for that. Our list looks a like like it did in 2009.
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All
Good and well Andy but if we keep doing that it says 2 things to me.
1. We have botched some high picks in recent times
2. We are 8 years away from competing and 2027 is the year we actually bottom out so be prepared for that. Our list looks a like like it did in 2009.
What would you do differently?
Looks like the club couldn't sell a sausage at a Bunnings sausage sizzle. We've got Briggs so far, nobody else has shown any interest. We are looking like hitting the draft and re-contracting some very sub-standard players simply because we have nothing else to fill the spot with.
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Jon Ralph
@RalphyHeraldSun
Port Adelaide clearly open to a cap dump with Todd Marshall even though it won’t be with the Dogs. Trying to find ways to create picks and find a better draft hand. Jason Cripps says there is plenty of interest from clubs for pick 4
https://heraldsun.com.au/
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"That's something we'll strongly consider"
Blair also said we interviewed Cody the other day.
Blair Hartley - Richmond GM of Football Talent on bidding on Cody Walker (via Trade Radio)
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2106912471282024453
--------------
We met with Zak Butters 3-4 times this year.
Blair Hartley - Richmond GM of Football Talent (via Trade Radio)
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2106911974110154984
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Power list boss Jason Cripps on Butters negotiations with Dogs:
“If we’re not given something that we think is fair value…pushing him into the draft and what that would look like…I’ve had a lot of conversations with Blair Hartley (Rich) over the journey and we’re pretty close
https://x.com/coreynorris9/status/2106939348264615983
:shh
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Richmond not ruling out last-minute Zak Butters play
Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
October 5, 2026
Richmond list manager Blair Hartley hasn't shut down a last-minute move for wantaway Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters as talks between the Power and the Western Bulldogs - Butters' desired landing spot - continue.
Richmond, along with Geelong, were also in the race for Butters' signature; however, the Power midfielder opted to elect the team he followed as a kid.
Discussions between the Power and the Dogs remain ongoing, with Dogs list boss Michael Regan noting those discussions are heading in the right direction.
However, with talks likely to extend late into the week, potentially sparking some uncertainty around whether both sides of the negotiations will be appeased, Richmond remains in the loop.
"We were just joking before. I think I've probably spoken to Jason more than my wife this year," Hartley said.
"We obviously get along well. We've worked together before. I've been speaking with him throughout the course of this year.
"Everything's still live. It's day one of the trade period."
Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps said the club wants to "avoid" a situation where they look beyond the Western Bulldogs, believing the club understands what the Power expect in return for their star player.
"(Butters is) clearly our best player and he's one of the best players in the competition," Cripps said.
"I'm not going to lie. I would rather be standing here and dealing with a team that's closer to the bottom of the ladder.
"Clearly, we'll do our best to facilitate the best outcome for us with the Western Bulldogs, but it could have been a lot worse.
"I've had a lot of conversations with Blair Hartley over the journey, and we're pretty close. We want to avoid that.
"We've had enough conversations with the Western Bulldogs for them to have a really clear understanding of what our expectations are, and they're getting to work."
The Power will decide to either not match the Bulldogs' free agency offer and therefore pocket Pick 5 as compensation, or force a trade and see the Dogs package a deal to secure the midfielder.
There is a reality where the Power take the compensation before looking to secure a separate trade deal with the Dogs - a play that will be closely watched by the AFL.
The Western Bulldogs hold Picks 12, 31 and 53 for this year's AFL Draft, as well as all of their selections for the 2027 and 2028 drafts.
Richmond, meanwhile, possesses Pick 2, as well as selections 20, 42 and 61 for next month's count.
https://www.zerohanger.com/richmond-not-ruling-out-last-minute-zak-butters-play-afl-trade-news-183475/
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If port accept pick 5 they’re circling Richmond’s pick 2 & 20. Port will get pick 10 back for matching a pick 1 bid. Port will have picks 10, 12, 21, 30, 44, 46 to use.
What else do Richmond get with pick 5 if they’re giving up 2&20?
4 as well sorry.
Why would they [Port] do that? Picks 4 + 5 are worth 519 points more than picks 2 + 20
There could be a future pick in it too unsure yet but also if port use those picks they’ll get pick 10 back
https://x.com/Bigdog2477/status/2106983468030918892
Someone here must have their sums wrong as how do Port end up with pick 10? huh3
Having said that, as Richmond would you trade picks 2 + 20 + a future pick for Port's 4 + 5?
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They absolutely would not get pick 10 back lol
Matching a bid at pick 1 using picks 2 and 20 will get you pick 27 back.
There is only 1 way port trade picks 4 and 5 and that’s for the bombers pick 1. Assuming they can get a couple of picks in the teens somehow (shifty side trade with the dogs) that will still allow them to draft the best open pool player at 1 and match our bid at 2 to get the best overall player in Cochrane.
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They absolutely would not get pick 10 back lol
Matching a bid at pick 1 using picks 2 and 20 will get you pick 27 back.
There is only 1 way port trade picks 4 and 5 and that’s for the bombers pick 1. Assuming they can get a couple of picks in the teens somehow (shifty side trade with the dogs) that will still allow them to draft the best open pool player at 1 and match our bid at 2 to get the best overall player in Cochrane.
But I am assuming we have to agree to that. They can’t just force it without our consent can they …!??
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Query. Everyday there seems to be a new player from another club that is wanting a move that have not been known in the main stream media. Today I read josh goater, weekend was Jordan butts and another crows player and they are always linked to Hawks or cats etc.
What I'm wondering is do you think the tiges are looking into players that aren't putting hands up in the media? Or is it that the RFC still leak proof hence we don't hear who they are speaking to, or are we just sitting on our hands waiting for someone to approach us?
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On a sperate note, what do you fine people think of the Merrett trade? For mine, it's overs for a 31 year not dominant role type. Yes he's durable and will complement the Hawks well (and is a very good player), but it's a lot of draft capital. I don't think clubs outside of ESS + HAW would have valued him that highly, but curious what you all think?
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On a sperate note, what do you fine people think of the Merrett trade? For mine, it's overs for a 31 year not dominant role type. Yes he's durable and will complement the Hawks well (and is a very good player), but it's a lot of draft capital. I don't think clubs outside of ESS + HAW would have valued him that highly, but curious what you all think?
Paid way overs. They may as well gone after butters with what they spent. His best footy is behind him for sure. I guess value is in the eye for the beholder!
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They have no plan at all.
They talk about the long term and the need to hit this draft hard. They then talk about Butters and trading out of the draft.
They do nothing to get more picks that is adding to the ones we have. Instead talk about trading up and actually out of the draft.
They talk in riddles on one hand they talk about the need in certain positions and then do nothing about those who are failing in those positions.
There is no clear defined plan moving forward.they are basically sitting on their hand.
They refuse to talk about player deficiencies and doing something about them. They act as though everything is hunky dory and one player will fix all things .
Personally im over the b/s and spin its time for honesty and action and doing something about the list and players we have.
Go to the draft tiges stop the half measures do what has to be done make those tough decisions and get over yourselves.
I have grave fears for just how bad we can become and still have all the hacks we have and then need to dump them in compromised drafts.
In many ways they are all in on the back of one draft 2024 and spurning the opportunity to build badly needed depth in a lot of areas. While ignoring the need to cut deadwood.
I have a line thru Ryan, OH-B, Sonsie, Ralphsmith, Rioli, Green, Trezise, Lefau, Banks, Short, Burton. Clareke and Gibcus are unknowns and we have no idea if the injuries and time out of the game has stuffed them they too could be gone at the end of 2027. and we know Vlastuin Lynch Nankervis Hopper are short term we really should have their replacements developing.
Its no good cutting hard at the end of 2027 the calls need to be made now its just good old common sense and logic.
I suppose if they cut deep their problem is they then have to admit they have got so much wrong. The good of the club or self preservation which is it to be?
Just about all the midfield eggs are in one small basket Smillie injuries? Hotton, Lalor and Cumming. Hopper is 30 Taranto 29 and Ross and McAuliffe round it out its criminally short of what we need and no one seems to give a toss.
Just do what needs to be done tiges cut hard and embrace the nd hard this year. then we can start looking at f/a and trades and cover areas where mature bodies and experience are needed.
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On a sperate note, what do you fine people think of the Merrett trade? For mine, it's overs for a 31 year not dominant role type. Yes he's durable and will complement the Hawks well (and is a very good player), but it's a lot of draft capital. I don't think clubs outside of ESS + HAW would have valued him that highly, but curious what you all think?
Paid way overs. They may as well gone after butters with what they spent. His best footy is behind him for sure. I guess value is in the eye for the beholder!
Their best 23 is already good. They have young players in line already.
Merret and King when you were a kick out of the grand final no brainer.
Thought it was reasonably cheap
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"It is always busy with the amount of conversations from club to club. We will stay open to talks and see how it unfolds."
- Rhy Gieschen, Richmond National Recruiting Manager on the trade period
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2107283658499653978
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Richmond is the leading candidate for Fremantle wingman Nathan O’Driscoll who is seeking a trade.
The 24-year-old played 17 games this year for the Dockers
@7AFL @7NewsMelbourne @triplemfooty
https://x.com/cleary_mitch/status/2107333538488168693
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It’s hard to see Blakey wanting to move from a contender to bottom two clubs Essendon and Richmond. That’s despite Blakey’s links to former coach and the Bombers’ new general manager of performance, John Longmire.
Even if Blakey had an appetite to join those teams, would they want to trade future first-round picks (even in compromised drafts with Tasmania) when they’re likely to finish in the bottom few spots on the ladder again?
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/sydney-swans/afl-2026-trade-suitors-for-nick-blakey-landing-spots-contenders-trade-from-sydney-swans-analysis-contract-details-geelong-melbourne-north-melbourne-st-kilda-gold-coast-latest-news/news-story/c65bb7661b0cb0a6dbf94da4eb81d672
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Would do future first for Blakey.
Would give the flexibility to overlook mellody and target hvh.
Hb. Blakey. Balta. Grlj.
C. Retschko. Lalor. NoD
Ob. Hvh/Briggs.
Sounds like he is off to geeling however.
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If Blakey wants to move that badly, surely he will go where the check is biggest....success is all good and well when the option is there, but if it's not, get the best deal for yourself and move on.
Would happily have him out the backline.
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If Blakey wants to move that badly, surely he will go where the check is biggest....success is all good and well when the option is there, but if it's not, get the best deal for yourself and move on.
Would happily have him out the backline.
Suspect he is owed around $6m over the next 5 years, after which he will be 31y6m old approx, so he's guaranteed good money already but a club like us would have the space to sweeten it somewhat.
Wouldn't be offering him too silly money to come though.
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Imagine if we got Blakey (we won't) and we get his Tiger Jumper pick at the G with the Pullman Hotel in the background.
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The Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide have 24 hours remaining to finalise a deal for Zak Butters, with Port Adelaide set to receive pick five as compensation and multi-club negotiations underway involving Melbourne and potentially Richmond.
https://x.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/2107746024475292047
"Richmond is also waiting in the wings if it was to fall over but there is confidence that Zak Butters will find his way to the Western Bulldogs"
Mitch Cleary
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2107740647709143352
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"I am very confident Nick Blakey won't be at the Sydney Swans next year"
"A top 15 pick will get it done"
"Blakey is keen on the Gold Coast Suns, but I don't think the Gold Coast Suns are overly keen on Nick Blakey."
"A board meeting will determine if Geelong chase Blakey. It is far from certain he is at Geelong next year. Lack of draft capital is an issue for them as well."
"There is a warmness towards the Kangaroos due to the family connection. They aren't his first preference, but he is open to the thought of North Melbourne."
The other club is Essendon. They have the salary cap space and the draft capital. There's the Longmire connection. But does he suit them?"
"St Kilda is at the bottom of his preference list. The Saints have asked the question. His head would need to be turned to join the Saints, however I do think they could be a 'break glass in case of emergency' option for Blakey."
- Tom Morris
"If I was North Melbourne I would offer up pick 5 for Nick Blakey. I would absolutely do that."
- Kane on if North offer up a top pick for Blakey
https://x.com/traderadio/
Gold Coast will meet with Sydney star Nick Blakey this morning.
Suns coach Damien Hardwick flew into Melbourne overnight for the catch-up as Blakey continues to look at a way out of the Swans and the Suns investigate their interest.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2107947143889846458
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"I think today is the day the Zak Butters deal takes shape."
"I think in the end this deal gets done but will involve 4-5 clubs, multiple picks and players and it just is going to be a massive deal that sees Butters get to the Dogs."
- Tom Morris
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2107947044677816597
Interesting to see if we are involved in this.
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multi-club negotiations underway involving Melbourne and potentially Richmond.
Unless there's something tangibly to our advantage I sure as heck wouldn't bother getting involved and helping them out
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Rowan Marshall is done.
14 for Marshall and F3 (2028)
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Sounds like Blakey is north bound.
Great get if that happens.
Edit. Plus $11 million offer
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Melbourne, Richmond, Carlton, Hawthorn and North Melbourne have been a part of various scenarios in the Butters mega deal, which could include Hudson O'Keeffe (Western Bulldogs) and Finn Maginness (Western Bulldogs) getting to their respective new homes and draft positions changing.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1628919
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SEVEN clubs... Dogs, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Richmond, North Melbourne, Carlton, Hawthorn are all involved in these discussions.
The 'mega deal' will likely be executed in at least two stages, and involve several players as well as a flurry of draft picks.
Z.Duursma, F.Maginness, H.O'Keeffe just to name a few.... All following Zak Butters' decision to nominate the Dogs.
Will North bring in a pick that would satisfy Adelaide for Murray?
And what is Richmond scheming to move up the draft order?
Multiple clubs believe things are progressing well. Again, expect this 'mega deal' across at least two stages when it's complete.
Not a lot of confidence from clubs as to whether this deal gets approved by the AFL. The league has been pouring over it for hours
https://x.com/tommorris32/status/2108024124241244606
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Proposed "mega trade" could include Port Adelaide turning pick 4 into 6 and 10.
So many moving parts but no players expected to be leaving or arriving at Alberton through the deal.
Todd Marshall looks likely to remain at the Power.
@7NewsAdelaide
https://x.com/joshmoney__/status/2108062544883806713
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7News Adelaide saying Port wish to trade pick 4 for Melbourne's 6 and 10 and then use their Butters compo pick 5 with 6 to draft Cochrane.
https://x.com/7NewsAdelaide/status/2108113645456740439
Still no mention by anyone in the media where we supposedly fit into this "mega deal"
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Or the Bulldogs :huh
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Mega trade approved and happening. Richmond not in it.
Blakey has chosen nord to go to
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Melbourne jump in front of us. There good in this space.
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The mega deal.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
GIVE: 13, 32, 2028 F1
RECEIVE: 2027 F2 (PA), 2028 F2 (PA), 2027 F4 (PA), 2027 F3 (MELB), 2028 F3 (PA), 2028 F4 (PA), 81, 87, FINN MAGINNESS, HUDSON O’KEEFFE
PORT ADELAIDE
GIVE: 4, 46, F2, F3, F4, 2028 F2, 2028 F4, 81
RECEIVE: 6, 10, 2027 F1 (MELB), 2028 F1 (DOGS)
MELBOURNE
GIVE: 6, 10, 87, 2027 F1, 2027 F3, 2028 F4
RECEIVE: 4, 12, 31, 46
CARLTON
GIVE: HUDSON O’KEEFFE
RECEIVE: 2028 F4 (MELB)
HAWTHORN
GIVE: FINN MAGINNESS
RECEIVE: 2027 F3 (PA)
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2108359329783185526
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Melbourne jump in front of us. There good in this space.
Yep
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Sonsie goneski. Not too surprising. A bust of a pick but I guess it was 2021 still COVID affected.
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Melbourne jump in front of us. There good in this space.
Do you mean jump in front with regards to getting in on this trade or in terms of the draft? Because we still are 2 picks ahead of them.
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They are very good at manipulating their way up the draft.
They are also very good at drafting young talent.
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With Gawn being 35, I’m sure they’re keen on HVH and will pounce if we pass on him. I doubt the eagles take him since they took CDT last season.
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Melbourne jump in front of us. There good in this space.
Do you mean jump in front with regards to getting in on this trade or in terms of the draft? Because we still are 2 picks ahead of them.
Both but I think we would have liked to get HVH with a later pick. But I'm just summizing that.
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Melbourne jump in front of us. There good in this space.
Do you mean jump in front with regards to getting in on this trade or in terms of the draft? Because we still are 2 picks ahead of them.
Both but I think we would have liked to get HVH with a later pick. But I'm just summizing that.
I think hvh is going top 5 in the open pool either way.
Dees done well. One of butler. Hvh. Mellody. Drever. Maybe tex.
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PORT'S TOP PICK UP FOR GRABS
PORT Adelaide will field offers for its pick No.5 after Zak Butters' compensation pick landed on a huge Friday of activity.
The Power's draft hand is now placed at No.5, 7 and 12, with the No.7 and 12 picks going to leave Port able to match a bid on Dougie Cochrane with a minimal points deficit if a bid comes on him at No.1.
It means Port has already started talking to clubs about trading out or splitting its No.5 selection, which will now be up for grabs in talks for the rest of this trade period and potentially beyond into the pick swap selection window.
There will be no shortage of interest in their pick No.5 being for sale given it gets a club right into the top zone of the draft, with many clubs viewing the draft as having a clear top six or so selections.
Essendon is among the clubs that have been looking to push up the draft board and has spoken to other clubs about using its draft hand – it currently holds picks 17, 20, 27 after its No.1 pick – to push up the order.
– Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1628972
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TIGERS' KIDDY COLEMAN INTEREST
RICHMOND is among the clubs that have registered interest in Brisbane defender Keidean Coleman.
Coleman is contracted for 2027 but open to a move after a challenging few seasons with his body since the 2023 Grand Final.
The Tigers are only expected to make a play if Jayden Short is traded, but that move to Collingwood hasn't made progress at this stage.
Brisbane's preference is to retain the 26-year-old, but will consider a compelling offer for Coleman.
With Brisbane not budging on its strong stance, the clock ticking on the trade period and Coleman a free agent in 2027, a move appears difficult at this stage.
Coleman displayed his game-changing ability across the 2023 finals series before rupturing his ACL in the first game of 2024, before injury issues across the past two seasons prevented him from becoming a premiership player under Chris Fagan.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1628972
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:clapping
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Honestly swap Short for Coleman.
Zorko is surely finished. Short is better than Coleman and takes the number 1 rebound role away from Zorko. We get a younger higher ceiling rebounder.
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Short doesnt want to leave VIC however I wonder if that would change if the lions showed interest.
Zorko was one of the best on a few weeks ago in the GF. The cliff will come fast like it does for them all but he’s shown no signs of slowing down yet other than some soft tissue injuries.
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Honestly swap Short for Coleman.
Zorko is surely finished. Short is better than Coleman and takes the number 1 rebound role away from Zorko. We get a younger higher ceiling rebounder.
Short is contracted so he gets a say i where he goes
The way it is looking he won’t be going anywhere
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get coleman anyway with the use of the special compo pick. That with covering a heap of his wage should get him to our club.
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I think a hb or teo should be very high on our radarweather its thru the nd or mature f/a trade.
The needed clean out of the general defenders has finally started.
Broad Trezise Smith all gone, Vlastuin turning 32 and nearing the end Short traded out hopefully.
It leaves us with
Banks who id trade if possible and currently so far below average we have to be asking the question about his long term worth.
Brown who is in a similar boat but really need a big year next year.
It leaves just Grlj entering year two.
I have aready suggested Wigmore thru the nd to replace Vlastuin.I think Mellody a great fit for us if we start him across hb.
There is good reason for this we have 5 young mids we need to play thru the mid field and lots start their careers at hb.
It would help provide us with a future quality back half of Grlj Mellody and Wiigmore.
We are currently looking at the kpds we have Annand Miller Balta Gray Gibcus and ive mentioned Trainor. one would hope from that lot we have at least two good defenders. it may end up the case we need to find another atm we have more pressing needs.
. Trainor looks likely to join those three he looks most likely to play third tall atm.
Just to finish i believe Voss would have been an upgrade on at least 4 of the general defenders we had.
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Wigmore can't kick so it makes replacing vlastuin suboptimal.
He is ranked at 40 odd for a reason
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Twomey says we are
" strongly pursuing " pick 5 from port.
I assume that means, the club wants to keep pick 2.
Taking Gus Teixeira and one of drever. Mellody. Hvh. Butler.
Would be an outstanding result. :gotigers
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Just hope I doesn't cost too much. It's just one pick.
Other clubs will offer ridiculous picks for it.
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Just hope I doesn't cost too much. It's just one pick.
Other clubs will offer ridiculous picks for it.
Id be happy to offer the farm.
Back ourselves in to not finish bottom 2
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I think if it’s for next years first then it’s a good result. If we finish 18th or 17th next year then technically that will be a higher pick even with Tasmania but I think I heard next years is crazy compromised between, Tassie getying priority access to some players already + their draft concessions + overall father son and academy picks.
I just hope that if the club is keen on HVH then they don’t try and be clever and take them with pick 5. I think Melbourne are an absolute lock to take him at 4 if he gets through us.
Getting HVH at 2 and whoever is left out of Butler, Tex, Drever and Mellody would be the way to go imo.
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I think if it’s for next years first then it’s a good result. If we finish 18th or 17th next year then technically that will be a higher pick even with Tasmania but I think I heard next years is crazy compromised between, Tassie getying priority access to some players already + their draft concessions + overall father son and academy picks.
I just hope that if the club is keen on HVH then they don’t try and be clever and take them with pick 5. I think Melbourne are an absolute lock to take him at 4 if he gets through us.
Getting HVH at 2 and whoever is left out of Butler, Tex, Drever and Mellody would be the way to go imo.
Woah that's be groovy.
Mellody @ 2
Hvh @ 5
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I’m assuming mellody goes to the eagles at 3 given he’s a local lad and HvH won’t make it past the dees at 4.
My uneducated prediction is:
1. Cochrane - Port (f/s match)
2. Drever - Bombers
3. Walker - Carlton (f/s match)
4. HVH - Tigers
5. Mellody - Eagles
6. Butler - Dees
7. Tex - Port
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I think if it’s for next years first then it’s a good result. If we finish 18th or 17th next year then technically that will be a higher pick even with Tasmania but I think I heard next years is crazy compromised between, Tassie getying priority access to some players already + their draft concessions + overall father son and academy picks.
I just hope that if the club is keen on HVH then they don’t try and be clever and take them with pick 5. I think Melbourne are an absolute lock to take him at 4 if he gets through us.
Getting HVH at 2 and whoever is left out of Butler, Tex, Drever and Mellody would be the way to go imo.
Yes. Let’s try and land Tyson Bradley with pick 20
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RICHMOND HUNTING PORT PICK
RICHMOND is among the suite of clubs strongly eyeing off Port Adelaide's No.5 pick, with Essendon, Carlton and West Coast others who have expressed interest in the selection.
The Tigers have made clear their intention to get in as many top-end selections in their rebuild before Tasmania enters the draft next year and compromises the pool for three years.
They already hold pick No.2 on the board this season and are understood to be right in the mix for the Power's No.5 compensation pick, which Port has put up for sale after landing the mega trade on Friday that then saw the club not match a free agency bid for Zak Butters to claim the pick.
Port, as revealed by AFL.com.au on Friday, is shopping the selection because its current hand of picks No.7 and 12 will be able to match a bid on a No.1 pick call for Dougie Cochrane with only a small points deficit.
The Tigers would have their future first-round pick, and likely another selection like pick No.22 this year, up for grabs to attain the Port selection but will have competition for it given the selection grants the buyer access to the very top end part of the draft.
Essendon is looking at ways to use its three later top-27 picks to bundle together and move up, West Coast would need to use a future first-rounder to get into the mix and Carlton too is looking at ways to shift into the pick, which would effectively pay for Cody Walker if a bid comes for him at No.3.
The Blues hold picks 13, 18, 25 and 26 this year as well as two first-round picks in 2027 and one in 2028.
North Melbourne has also shown interest in the Port selection as it gets creative to get its two big trades done with Nick Blakey and Nick Murray both keen to join the club.
– Callum Twomey
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1629068
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FORMER BLUE STILL ON AFL RADAR
EX-CARLTON forward Flynn Young has attracted interest as a potential delisted free agency option ahead of the summer.
It's understood clubs, including Richmond, have been monitoring Young as a potential rookie or pre-season chance after he was delisted earlier this year.
Young played 11 games for the Blues after arriving as a mid-season recruit from Werribee halfway through 2025, but managed only three senior appearances in a frustrating campaign this season.
The 181cm forward impressed at VFL level, kicking 21 goals from 13 games in 2026 to shoot back on the radar of AFL clubs ahead of November's draft period.
– Riley Beveridge
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1629068/inside-trading-bombers-weigh-up-interest-in-cat-tigers-hunt-port-pick-pies-list-squeeze-in-short-chase
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Young is worth it for a depth option only, really.
As for P5...trade I had heard suggested was their P5 for our F1 + F2. I would 100% do that.
Having 2 + 5 + 20 + 21 (equivalent) this year would be great.
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Yeah I’d do that too.
I’m sure we’ll get back into next years draft considering Tassie are obligated to trade a bunch of the picks the afl have given them. Our salary cap position should enable us to give them players while paying a good chuck of their contract.
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Yeah I’d do that too.
I’m sure we’ll get back into next years draft considering Tassie are obligated to trade a bunch of the picks the afl have given them. Our salary cap position should enable us to give them players while paying a good chuck of their contract.
Rhyan Mansell says “hi”
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Yup mansell.
I suspect nank will go there for a couple years.
Hopper as a big body mid provided he has a decent season next year.
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Keidean Coleman
Coleman told Brisbane he was keen to explore his trade options and there's been no shortage of calls. However the Lions are not entering into talks without a first-round pick attached for the contracted half-back, and some clubs look more likely to wait for him to be an unrestricted free agent next year. Richmond, as reported on Friday by AFL.com.au, had shown interest while Essendon remains one to watch as well given their suite of picks could tempt the Lions if early interest progresses.
Pick No.5
Port Adelaide landed its mega deal on Friday, then accepted pick No.5 as the Zak Butters compensation. Now it is fielding significant offers for the selection, which the Power don't need to match a bid on Dougie Cochrane. Richmond is strongly pursuing the pick and is in a good position to land it with its future first-round pick on the table plus other swaps, with the Tigers keen to pair pick No.2 with No.5 in the last uncompromised draft before Tasmania. Essendon, Carlton, West Coast and North Melbourne are other clubs keen on the pick, but Port could also wait until the pick swaps window opens post the trade period to do a deal for the prized selection.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1629650/inside-trading-nick-blakey-lachie-whitfield-and-more-the-state-of-play-on-the-major-trade-deals
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I would want the club to stand firm on P30 minimum for Short, or he can play VFL IMO. Can pay some of his wage to make it easier for them to swallow, we have the space.
Offer F1 + F2 for Port's P5.
Offer our 2nd rounder which is P22 for Coleman. They may need some TPP space anyway.
Hit the draft with 2, 5, 23 (compo), 30 (Short), 44
Have already brought in Briggs and O'Driscoll
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I think we are after Collingwoods first rounder
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I think we are after Collingwoods first rounder
Yeah, I'm not deluded though.
I'd be glad to receive something useful for him to leave.
R1 pick is too much IMO.
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I think if it’s for next years first then it’s a good result. If we finish 18th or 17th next year then technically that will be a higher pick even with Tasmania but I think I heard next years is crazy compromised between, Tassie getying priority access to some players already + their draft concessions + overall father son and academy picks.
I just hope that if the club is keen on HVH then they don’t try and be clever and take them with pick 5. I think Melbourne are an absolute lock to take him at 4 if he gets through us.
Getting HVH at 2 and whoever is left out of Butler, Tex, Drever and Mellody would be the way to go imo.
So if the scenario happens great two list shortcomings are rectified. Although Briggs eases one to a degree. I asked how we could get Drever and HVR awhile ago but stay in the nd even with later picks.
My trouble with this whole draft i dont think there is a need to trade into the top 5 since we aquired Briggs. But find a way to find 3 or so picks and get a pick mid to late teens pick mid twenties and another in thE thirties to go with the picks we have.
I still think this is the correct way to go. This draft has some very good kids that goes deep. We need both quality and quantity and this draft is the last chance to go that path for awhile.
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I would want the club to stand firm on P30 minimum for Short, or he can play VFL IMO. Can pay some of his wage to make it easier for them to swallow, we have the space.
Offer F1 + F2 for Port's P5.
Offer our 2nd rounder which is P22 for Coleman. They may need some TPP space anyway.
Hit the draft with 2, 5, 23 (compo), 30 (Short), 44
Have already brought in Briggs and O'Driscoll
P22 seems high for Coleman. Talented player for sure but he’s played 15 games in 3 years and as of grand final day isn’t best 23 for the lions.
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He's contracted though and so is short
Meh
Nitpick if you want. Maybe Short for 30 then 30 for Coleman, you get the idea. Maybe propose your own deal.
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Lalor apparently was working over time trying to get butters to punt road.
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Trade week goes for a week too long! Zzzzzzzz
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Keidean Coleman apparently requested essendon trade.
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Brissy want a top20 pick
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Brissy want a top20 pick
Id prefer to keep our natural 2nd rounder personally
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lost out to the bombers. Now that's funny.
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Keidean Coleman has his eyes on Essendon and has met with the Bombers.
At this stage it looks like Coleman's options are down to staying or Essendon, but Brisbane's asking price of a top-20 pick remains in place.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2109525912748474876
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Inside Richmond's pursuit of Zak Butters. The vacant No.9 jumper, the stack of texts from star-turned-recruiter Sam Lalor, the huge front-ended offer, the magnet board with the best 23 being picked. The Tiges gave it a good crack.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2109422547511210398
Richmond had planted the seeds of its interest some time ago.
Tigers list boss Blair Hartley told media last week he had met with Butters three or four times throughout the season, and their financial play was significant, including what is understood to have been a deal of close to $5 million in year one of their nine-year offer.
They gave him a No.9 Tigers jumper and their No.1 pick Sam Lalor - who is from Bacchus Marsh, around the corner from Darley - took it upon himself to lead the charge.
"I got a lot of text messages from Sammy, he's a good fella," Butters said.
The last play from the Tigers saw Hartley fly to Adelaide for a final attempt in the weeks before he chose the Dogs, with the pair getting out the magnet board and picking Richmond's best team. Butters is a footyhead and knowing the unknown on their list wasn't hard for him.
"They've got a lot of talent and high draft picks and were probably looking to bridge that gap between their experience and younger boys. And I fitted that mould with my age demographic and wanting to come back to Melbourne," he said.
"I got along with Blair really well and they're obviously highly skilled and professionals in their area. I weighed that up but I thought for where I am in my career, I didn't think it was the exact right fit for me right now at this time."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1630591/zak-butters-exclusive-how-collingwood-richmond-and-geelong-tried-to-woo-port-adelaide-star-and-the-moment-he-chose-the-western-bulldogs
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"I think Richmond is the front-runner for pick 5"
Tom Morris (via Trade Radio)
https://x.com/aflratings_GM/status/2109409700001538093
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Power set to be key player in final three days
The Power now has picks No. 5, 7, 12, 24, 32, 46 and 65 in this year’s draft.
It can use No. 7 and 12 to match a bid from Essendon at No. 1 for Dougie Cochrane and end up a minor points deficit.
So the Power have put up No. 5 for sale as it sees what price it can get for that high-end pick.
Richmond is understood to have interest in adding a high pick in addition to its No. 2 selection it already has.
Carlton could look to move up the order to help the Blues match a bid on father-son prospect Cody Walker.
While interestingly North Melbourne is trying to get Sydney star Nick Blakey and Adelaide key defender Nick Murray both to Arden St this trade period and already have pick No. 6.
By splitting pick No. 5 the Power could get two later selections in this year’s draft, with the Blues and St Kilda both having two first round picks.
Or it could look to get in a pick this year and then get future draft picks, which would help in it matching bids on Next Generation Academy prospect Zemes Pilot and father-son Louis Salopek next year.
And it could also give them an arsenal of draft picks to get any possible deal done for Saints superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera should he want to come back to South Australia this time when his contract expires.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-period-live-updates-and-every-deal-on-monday/live-coverage/c31d22eb2c7cec0c65d69b771ef2fadf
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Port would almost certainly want a future first-round selection back as part of any Pick 5 trade as it has two club-tied draft prospects – Louis Salopek (father-son) and Zemes Pilot (NGA) – that should attract early bids next year.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported on Saturday that Richmond, Essendon, Carlton, West Coast and North Melbourne were all keen on the Power’s Pick 5. Morris then reported the Tigers were considered the “frontrunner” for the prized selection, with their offer to Port centred on Pick 22 and Richmond’s future first-round pick.
Despite the compromised, Tassie-heavy nature of the upcoming drafts, the Richmond pick could still land early in the order, considering the Tigers are still in the rebuild trenches.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2026-port-adelaide-pick-5-trade-what-mega-trade-and-zak-butters-deal-means-for-richmond-tigers-and-melbourne-demons-top-picks/news-story/cedf74bbf38d17703e6fcdf8124a5b77
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Adelaide media also saying we're the front-runner
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Port Adelaide's trade period is far from over with Richmond the front-runner to snare the Power's pick 5.
https://x.com/7NewsAdelaide/status/2109531343621353493
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Port would almost certainly want a future first-round selection back as part of any Pick 5 trade as it has two club-tied draft prospects – Louis Salopek (father-son) and Zemes Pilot (NGA) – that should attract early bids next year.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported on Saturday that Richmond, Essendon, Carlton, West Coast and North Melbourne were all keen on the Power’s Pick 5. Morris then reported the Tigers were considered the “frontrunner” for the prized selection, with their offer to Port centred on Pick 22 and Richmond’s future first-round pick.
Despite the compromised, Tassie-heavy nature of the upcoming drafts, the Richmond pick could still land early in the order, considering the Tigers are still in the rebuild trenches.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2026-port-adelaide-pick-5-trade-what-mega-trade-and-zak-butters-deal-means-for-richmond-tigers-and-melbourne-demons-top-picks/news-story/cedf74bbf38d17703e6fcdf8124a5b77
:shh
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Nick Blakey has been traded to North Melbourne.
North gets: Nick Blakey, pick 52, 2028 Rd2
Sydney gets: Pick 6, 47, 2027 F2, 2028 F1, 2028 F2
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2109782095342244321
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Essendon has offered pick 27 for Keidean Coleman.
The Lions want one of the Bombers’ earlier picks - 17 or 21 - but Essendon has made clear those two aren’t on the table.
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2109798511877423344
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"It's more likely than not to be moving."
"We have put our best foot forward there and hopefully hear by tomorrow."
Richmond EGM of Football Talent Blair Hartley on Port Adelaide's pick No.5.
Watch here: https://x.com/AFL/status/2109819591274746119
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2109816203254640768
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"I think Richmond is right at the front of the queue and in a strong position."
Cal Twomey on the battle for Port's pick five
https://x.com/traderadio/status/2109824682459541747
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Richmond has made its best pitch for Port Adelaide's pick No.5 and is hopeful of an affirmative answer by tomorrow, says list boss Blair Hartley.
Port has enough points with its current selections at seven and 12 to match a bid on father/son prospect Dougie Cochrane and is keen to get the most value it can by trading out the fifth overall pick.
Although Hartley wouldn't go into specifics on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio, he said it was easier to move next year's first round selections as part of a package with Tasmania's entry set to heavily compromise the next two drafts.
"Tasmania has access to the best players born in 2009. That takes seven (players) out along with seven of the top 13 picks removed," he said.
"Then there's factors like father/son and Academy.
"I think the lean nature of next year's draft will see all clubs look at different avenues of acquiring talent and we will be no different."
"We’ve put our best foot forward there and hopefully we'll hear by tomorrow. The conversation we've been having is it's more likely than not to be moving."
- Michael Whiting
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1631427/trade-talk-live-october-13-all-the-latest-trade-and-free-agency-rumours-ahead-of-the-trade-period
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Cornes exposes Richmond "error" in Butters chase
By Kane Cornes
SEN
13 Oct 2026
I wanted to look at Richmond and their pursuit of Zak Butters. It's what Bill Simmons would call the ‘now you tell’; the story of what actually happened. After the fact and you get all the information.
I was really interested in the fact Blair Hartley was the figure head behind the Butters piece.
Of all the people I could send from my club; Hawks sent Sam Mitchell on a plane to meet with perspective stars, Bulldogs wheeling out Disney executives, coaches and former players and their best ever.
We’ve got Geelong wheeling out Dangerfield and whoever else, Craig McRae at Collingwood jumping on planes, going everywhere and Nick Daicos is involved.
Richmond thought, you know who is out best recruiter? Our best figure? Blair Hartley. All due respect to Blair, he is a great operator, but if he walked past you in the street you would have no idea who he is.
Richmond thought 'our last ditch attempt to go and get the game’s biggest free agent, we’re going to send Blair to Adelaide'.
What are we doing?
Give me anyone - Riewoldt - I would take him over Hartley, send the coach! At least send Yze, send Lalor, send your youngsters.
Their last Hail Mary was Blair Hartley.
Other than Lalor sending a couple of texts, what did Richmond do?
It has to be the coach; for me I want to hear from the coach. How many premiership players have the Tigers got?
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/10/13/zak-butters-trade-richmond-strategy-blair-hartley
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Cornes exposes Richmond "error" in Butters chase
By Kane Cornes
SEN
13 Oct 2026
I wanted to look at Richmond and their pursuit of Zak Butters. It's what Bill Simmons would call the ‘now you tell’; the story of what actually happened. After the fact and you get all the information.
I was really interested in the fact Blair Hartley was the figure head behind the Butters piece.
Of all the people I could send from my club; Hawks sent Sam Mitchell on a plane to meet with perspective stars, Bulldogs wheeling out Disney executives, coaches and former players and their best ever.
We’ve got Geelong wheeling out Dangerfield and whoever else, Craig McRae at Collingwood jumping on planes, going everywhere and Nick Daicos is involved.
Richmond thought, you know who is out best recruiter? Our best figure? Blair Hartley. All due respect to Blair, he is a great operator, but if he walked past you in the street you would have no idea who he is.
Richmond thought 'our last ditch attempt to go and get the game’s biggest free agent, we’re going to send Blair to Adelaide'.
What are we doing?
Give me anyone - Riewoldt - I would take him over Hartley, send the coach! At least send Yze, send Lalor, send your youngsters.
Their last Hail Mary was Blair Hartley.
Other than Lalor sending a couple of texts, what did Richmond do?
It has to be the coach; for me I want to hear from the coach. How many premiership players have the Tigers got?
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/10/13/zak-butters-trade-richmond-strategy-blair-hartley
This is odd, this is borderline amatuer blogging garbage. Save this for twitter Kane.
I mean some clubs will wheel out flashy garbage to turn a players head. But if the reason Butters didn't sign for Richmond is because we sent dynasty list creator Blair Hartley over Jack Riewoldt who has no connection to our next permieship list tilt then this type of player is not worth having.
The fact that he signed with Bulldogs shows that after the fact sending our a 'Dangerfield' was pointless, as would have been Jack Riewoldt. Another embarassing click bait slop from Kornes.
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I would deduce that Blakey's new disaffection would indicate that he knows he is in the clear (criminally) and that the club has thrown him under the bus.
Just in terms of the 'buyer beware' warning from the AFL.
Please tell me how the Swans have thrown him under the bus?
He was suspended by his Club for being out on the turps until 4am in the morning and being in the room where who knows what went on. He can sook all he likes, demand a trade but facts are he made a choice, clearly a very bad one and he's copped (rightly) a whack for it at Club level
Perhaps if Nicky took some responsibility, accountability for his poor choice. You know own it rather than playing the PLOM card.
Got to hand it to NB.
Had a fun night out and made 6 million odd bucks
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PICK NO.5
Richmond is strongly placed to trade for Port Adelaide's prized pick No.5, with AFL.com.au revealing on Saturday the Tigers' hot pursuit of the selection. The Power can deal the pick on Wednesday or wait until the pick swaps window, but Tigers list boss Blair Hartley said on Tuesday the view was the pick would move during the window. Many clubs have enquired and there's been a rush of interest but the Tigers' future first-round pick, plus pick 22 this year, in their offer will be hard to top.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1631426/inside-trading-the-deals-still-to-be-done-on-deadline-day
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Here’s the trade mega wall for tomorrow!! Every club on your screen.
On air live from 2pm on @AFLcomau to see all the action and hear from every club to finish the trade period.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HUgJax8a8AAd_bZ?format=jpg&name=medium)
https://x.com/CalTwomey/status/2109946790657380499
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Port Adelaide trading pick 5 could unlock a deal for Luke Pedlar.
The Power is likely to trade 5 to Richmond for a future first and later picks. Pedlar would then be done with a pick slide.
https://x.com/mattturner1986/status/2109928561465544733
https://x.com/7NewsAdelaide/status/2109926756723638308
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"Richmond does have some interest in Flynn Young."
- Riley Beveridge & Callum Twomey
Watch here: https://x.com/AFL/status/2110172922362974690
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I think if it’s for next years first then it’s a good result. If we finish 18th or 17th next year then technically that will be a higher pick even with Tasmania but I think I heard next years is crazy compromised between, Tassie getying priority access to some players already + their draft concessions + overall father son and academy picks.
I just hope that if the club is keen on HVH then they don’t try and be clever and take them with pick 5. I think Melbourne are an absolute lock to take him at 4 if he gets through us.
Getting HVH at 2 and whoever is left out of Butler, Tex, Drever and Mellody would be the way to go imo.
I am warming to the opposite idea.
Say we like butler. Take him at 2 and hope hvh still there at 5.
If he is not Tex / mellody pretty good result
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But that way you wouldn’t get a HVH profile of player.
If you take HVH first you’ll almost certainly get either Butler or Tex who are very similar profile players of equatable talent.
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But that way you wouldn’t get a HVH profile of player.
If you take HVH first you’ll almost certainly get either Butler or Tex who are very similar profile players of equatable talent.
You might. Lots of talk Melbourne want a small forward type and Tex would fit in pretty well.
Some chat wce take butler over mellody if he is there too.
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I’m not concerned about the eagles going for HVH, taking rucks in top5 in back to back drafts would be unheard of. The dees are the only ones that would snap him up (assuming bombers don’t take him at 1).
If the recruiters are happy to miss out on him then so be it, but if they rate him then I think the strategy has to be take him at 2 and whichever of the mid/fwds are left at 5.
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I’m stoked we picked up another top end draft pick. The top 8 players in this draft seem like top shelf players so getting 2 of them is huge for us ahead of a compromised draft in 2027.
With some luck we can get Smillie on the park early and Gibcus gets a decent run at it.
It might be a tough season ahead re wins and losses but I also think it the core youngsters stay healthy we’ll see some exciting footy.
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Kiddy Coleman and pick 25 to Essendon for picks 21 and 27 to Brisbane.
The Viney and Rivers deal:
WCE
Out: Pick 45, 2027 F2, 2028 FF2, 2027 F4
In: Rivers, Viney, Melbourne 2028 F2
MELB
Out: Viney, Rivers, Melbourne 2028 F2
In: 45, 2027 F2, 2027 F4, 2028 F2
https://x.com/CalTwomey
Trade period all done. All but the Short and Nick Murray trades went through
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WCE trading out a F2 and sliding another F2 for a couple of mature bodies, so it seems they've been listening to the claw. But then so have we, with Briggs and O'D.
Honestly I really like the way WCE are building their list
Nailing their good picks
Bringing in some bodies to protect the kids
Targeting leadership with their pricier trades
Mini doing a good job IMO. Happy for him.
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Blair Hartley explains the importance of our trade for pick No.5 in this year's draft, and the challenges facing next year's draft
Watch here: https://x.com/Richmond_FC/status/2110297097471938685
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On the trade with Port Adelaide to secure pick No.5 in this year's draft (via AFL Trade Radio)...
"These deals don't happen overnight. I've been speaking to Jason [Cripps, Power list manager] a lot this year throughout, obviously, what was happening with Zak [Butters], and then, we are always looking for opportunities to maximise.
Sitting in the futures game on Grand Final Day, and we looked down and 23 of the 46 that are on the field we don't have access to due to a variety of reasons, father-son, academy, NGA, Tasmania access, and then throw on top of that, seven of the 13 for the first round of the draft next year are out with Tasmania already.
That's 30 out of 46 we are looking like we can't get access to.
Whereas, on the other hand, for Port Adelaide, those picks really do have some value with some father-son and academy access they have for them next year.
I think it works out well for both parties.
Rhy Gieschen, our recruiting team, Oliver Grant, having Nick Austin back on board, they've been hard at work the last few weeks and been putting all sorts of pressure on us to end up with those couple of picks inside five."
Hartley believes the Tigers have made "pretty positive off-field changes with Selwyn Griffith [High Performance Manager] coming on board and Brett Ratten [Head of Coaching and Strategy]".
He added getting the list healthy and on the field playing together will be "exciting for our fans".
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2151811/why-tigers-traded-for-pick-five-what-happened-with-short-deal
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Sorry Blair but you really should’ve consulted first with crawski
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That line about not having access to 30 of the currently top ranked 46 players for next years draft class is pretty telling.
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That line about not having access to 30 of the currently top ranked 46 players for next years draft class is pretty telling.
Cue the crawski rant ArgGGHHJrrrGggghhH
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Been mentioned a few times.
Without question one of the bigger gettable fish next year I'd Tom Green.
GWS are starting a rebuild. Toby, Whitfield, Briggs and Hogan all pushed out. You'd be seriously considering what on earth GWS are doing competing with Tassie building a list now. So if strongly argue that RFC are closer to premiership tilt then GWS.
We have more money in salary cap. Bigger club. In Vic. Boyhood club/links.
The only thing GWS have over us is loyalty but surely enough big fish have moved on to show players that destination clubs are more valuable then loyalty these days. Butters and Toby perfect examples this year.
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Green is 26 next year. Maybe 6-7 years left in him. GWS may never play finals in his time again. Where as we should be in 3 in 2030. He knows Briggs, probably some link with Taranto who will be captain you'd imagine. Even with the idea that Tom could be our next captain after Taranto.
It's an easy sell compared to GWS. Just a matter of whether a Geelong or Carlton post Cripps can sell their story better then us.
Should be priority number 1 in FA along with a key back. Go get him Blair.
Green
Taranto
Cumming
Lalor
Smillie
Hotton/Butler
Fair 2 sets of rotating 3 for your midfield going forward.
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Rumour going round were looking at George Stevens as a DFA.
Thoughts?
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Elijah Tsatas’ AFL career has a pulse.
A few clubs have inquired about the delisted 21 year old in the aftermath of trade period - with some confidence building that he may snag a list spot for 2027. More on @7NewsMelbourne tonight.
https://x.com/XanderMcGuire7/status/2110537077351981565
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Rumour going round were looking at George Stevens as a DFA.
Thoughts?
That rumour comes from this Zerohanger article.
Pairing delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2027
Aidan Cellini
zerohanger.com
15 Oct 2026
Here we've listed promising delisted free agents and a club that could suit their services.
George Stevens
Richmond
The bullocking Geelong midfielder showed plenty of promise in the short time he spent at AFL level, which wasn't his fault, as bypassing Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Atkins, Bailey Smith and Max Holmes is hard to do.
Stevens played two games in 2025 and this year, and found plenty of the ball, including his memorable debut against Richmond, which earned him a Brownlow vote.
A rebuilding club that needs midfield support like Richmond should consider the youngster, who spent considerable time at a well-run organisation.
https://www.zerohanger.com/pairing-10-delisted-free-agents-with-a-new-afl-team-for-2027-183314/
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Rumour going round were looking at George Stevens as a DFA.
Thoughts?
That rumour comes from this Zerohanger article.
Pairing delisted free agents with a new AFL team for 2027
Aidan Cellini
zerohanger.com
15 Oct 2026
Here we've listed promising delisted free agents and a club that could suit their services.
George Stevens
Richmond
The bullocking Geelong midfielder showed plenty of promise in the short time he spent at AFL level, which wasn't his fault, as bypassing Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Atkins, Bailey Smith and Max Holmes is hard to do.
Stevens played two games in 2025 and this year, and found plenty of the ball, including his memorable debut against Richmond, which earned him a Brownlow vote.
A rebuilding club that needs midfield support like Richmond should consider the youngster, who spent considerable time at a well-run organisation.
https://www.zerohanger.com/pairing-10-delisted-free-agents-with-a-new-afl-team-for-2027-183314/
Slug - need to disband the gumboot brigade not add to it.