It’s official: Zak Butters declares he’s leaving Port Adelaide

Zak Butters has played his last game for Port Adelaide, informing club officials at his exit meeting on Monday that he would exercise his restricted free agency rights.

Geelong have firmed as leading contenders for Butters’ signature in recent times, along with the Western Bulldogs, who have also long coveted the midfielder.

Collingwood and Richmond have also made strong long-term pitches to try to recruit the triple best-and-fairest winner.

Port Adelaide are expected to match any restricted free agency offer that Butters accepts before brokering a trade for a larger return. An industry source, who was granted anonymity to speak more freely, said the club would take its time to work through the next steps.

Band-one compensation would deliver the Power pick five, as it stands, but they could demand several first-round selections in trade negotiations, particularly given clubs can now offload picks two years into the future.

The last club to match a restricted free agency offer was Greater Western Sydney with Jeremy Cameron when he joined Geelong six years ago.

Port Adelaide issued a statement on Monday, saying that Butters had been an “outstanding servant”.

“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 statement read. “The club will now work to facilitate the best outcome for Port Adelaide through this process.”