Geelong used Bailey Smith as secret weapon in final pitch for free agent Zak Butters

Geelong has deployed Bailey Smith as their secret weapon in a final pitch to convince Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters to join the Cats.

As Butters ramps up his training this week for a possible farewell match against Essendon on Sunday, speculation is still swirling around his future.

The prolific midfielder is widely expected to return home to Victoria at the end of this year, with the Western Bulldogs having been seen for well over 12 months as the frontrunners to secure his services.

But Butters has kept his cards very close to his chest right throughout the final year of his contract, with Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong also queuing up.

In recent days, 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed the Cats have their noses in front .

And 7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire revealed Smith was involved in the club’s approach to Butters.

“Geelong have recently given a final presentation to Zak Butters to convince him to move to the Cattery, and Bailey Smith was the ace up their sleeve,” McGuire reported.

“Football’s most high-profile player was brought into the meeting to personally pitch the Geelong lifestyle to Butters, along with the future of the Cats midfield with him and Max Holmes.”

Smith was questioned by 7NEWS regarding whether his secret meeting with the Port Adelaide superstar occurred.

He neither confirmed or denied the meeting, simply saying one word, “meow”, in a move that is sure to excite Geelong fans.

On Sunday, Cleary said Geelong are “coming with a rush” to secure Butters.

“The Western Bulldogs have been well and truly in the race for Zak Butters for 12-18 months. I’ve had them as favourites for that time,” Cleary said before the Western Bulldogs played Carlton on Sunday.

“I think there’s a new favourite now, and that’s the Geelong footy club. They are coming with a rush, the Cats.

“There’s growing confidence down the highway they’ll be able to secure Zak Butters.