# Zak Butters transfer to Western Bulldogs

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zak-butters-transfer-to-western-bulldogs
> Updated: 2026-10-12T02:05:56.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Zak Butters, a 26-year-old midfielder and three-time All Australian, has signed a nine-year contract to join the Western Bulldogs from Port Adelaide. The deal is valued between $17 million and $17.5 million, averaging approximately $2 million per season, making it the largest total contract in AFL history.

Butters noted that the opportunity to play with club captain Marcus Bontempelli was a significant factor in his decision. While several clubs including Geelong, Collingwood, and Richmond expressed interest, Butters finalized his move after returning to his family property near Melbourne. 

During his unveiling at Whitten Oval, Butters commented on the lack of transparency in the current AFL landscape regarding player departures, contrasting it with the NRL system where players can announce deals with rival clubs earlier in their contract terms.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Zak Butters joins Western Bulldogs on nine-year deal

Zak Butters has joined the Western Bulldogs on a nine-year deal worth $2 million per season, moving from Port Adelaide to return to Victoria.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zak-butters-joins-western-bulldogs-on-nine-year-deal

### 2026-10-10: Zak Butters signs record nine-year contract with Western Bulldogs

Zak Butters has signed a record nine-year, $17–$17.5 million contract with the Western Bulldogs, the largest total deal in AFL history.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zak-butters-signs-record-nine-year-contract-with-western-bulldogs

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Cite as: Zak Butters transfer to Western Bulldogs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zak-butters-transfer-to-western-bulldogs