Zak Butters says football will determine his contract call at end of 2026

Zak Butters hasn’t put a timeline on his looming contract call, but the Port Adelaide superstar says only one factor will decide whether he remains at the Power beyond 2026.

Port Adelaide star Zak Butters says football will be the determining factor in his contract call next year.

Butters remains committed to seeing out the last season of his deal in 2026 and has not put a timeline on a decision amid significant interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria.

The 24-year-old midfielder is very close with his family in Bacchus Marsh, but says they will want him to choose what will make him happy.

“There’s a number of things (to consider) – family, friends … but the number one thing for me is footy,” said Butters, a two-time All-Australian and dual best-and-fairest winner said.

Zak Butters’ deal ends in 2026. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s the top priority.

“Family is good, friends are good, but footy makes me most happy.

“I don’t think I’m going to rush – it’s a big decision.

“I’m committed and I’m in (for 2026).”

As part of that, Butters is trying to convince out-of-contract teammate Miles Bergman to re-sign as the utility considers offers from the Power and Victorian clubs.

Butters said he had hardly thought about his own decision lately.

“I think other people think about it more than I probably do,” he said.

“I’ll go back and have a good think about it in the off-season when … you’re not in the hustle and bustle of footy.”

By that stage, Butters will be coming to terms with the exit of his only AFL senior coach, Ken Hinkley, who is stepping aside at season’s end for midfield Josh Carr to take over.

“I’m sure when the time comes it’ll initially be a bit of disappointment and upsetting,” he said.

“When you lose anyone in your life that’s important to you, you probably won’t initially feel quite right but I’m sure with time things will adjust.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Carry … and he’s been a key instigator of probably my success over the last few years.

“So I feel like although I’d lose one I’ve got a really good one coming in as well.”

Butters believed his values and blue-collar approach aligned well with the Power.

As for how much the prospect of team success would sway him, Butters, who had played in four finals series in six years entering this season, said: “We haven’t got the pinnacle, which I live and die by and want to get there as quick as I can, but I’ve been lucky to be in a pretty good team for a long time so I won’t forget that.”

Butters believed the Power could “well and truly” contend for premierships in the next few years and that its season was “very much alive” despite sitting two wins and a whopping 49.4 per cent outside the top eight with nine matches remaining.

Originally published as Zak Butters says football will determine his contract call at end of 2026