Former Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes believes Zak Butters could be headed to the Bulldogs

He’s committed to Port Adelaide for 2026 but where will Zak Butters be after that? Chad Cornes, who worked closely with the Power star, might have the answer.

Former Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes believes the Power’s star vice-captain Zak Butters will leave the club at the end of next season, and reckons the Western Bulldogs would be the hot favourites.

The Power had to bat away constant questions and speculation around the long-term future of its star player in the most recent trade period.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and has yet to sign the big-money deal the Power have put in front of him.

Butters is from western Victoria, and the lure of home is something that Victorian clubs are banking on for him to explore free agency and seek a move away from Alberton.

Zak Butters is out of contract at the end of 2026. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

The Power has said it will do everything it can to try and convince Butters that his future past the end of next season is in South Australia.

Cornes, who will join SEN after his contract as an assistant coach at the Power was not renewed, said it might be too tough of a task for Port.

“I love ‘Buttsy’, he’s such a great guy,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

“If I had to make a prediction I think he goes this time next year.

“I would be saying that he loves the Bulldogs, just a real hardcore Bulldogs supporter before he got drafted.

“I don’t want to make a big call too early.”

The Power will have the cap room to match any offer from another club for the three-time John Cahill Medallist and two-time All-Australian.

Butters has said he will take his time to decide his long-term future.

Originally published as Former Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes believes Zak Butters could be headed to the Bulldogs