Zak Butters is home.

The superstar midfielder has arrived at Mission Whitten Oval as a restricted free agent via the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, inking a landmark nine-year deal to return to the club he barracked for as a boy.

The 26-year-old played 156 games and kicked 73 goals for Port Adelaide after being selected with Pick 12 in the 2019 AFL Draft, departing Alberton Oval as a three-time All Australian and three-time best and fairest winner.

Over recent seasons, Butters has stamped himself as one of the league’s truly elite players, averaging 30 disposals and six clearances per game and earning State of Origin selection for Victoria alongside new midfield teammates Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards.

A product of the Western Jets and Darley in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Butters is a born and bred Bulldogs supporter, passionate about the region he grew up in and the prospect of bringing success to the Club.

Butters will form part of a formidable centre square line-up alongside fellow All Australians Bontempelli, Richards and Tim English.

Butters said he couldn’t be more excited to start his next chapter, this time in red, white and blue

“It’s felt like a long time coming to get to this point, but since I decided to commit to the Bulldogs, I have just wanted to get in the building as soon as possible and meet everyone,” Butters said.

“For me, I grew up looking up to the Bulldogs players and idolising them. To be in the position now to be that role model in the west that can hopefully inspire other kids to chase their dreams and play AFL, it is really special.

“Growing up as a Bulldogs supporter and growing up in the west, my parents and family all still live in the area, it is a special place to me.

“I’ll be so excited to run out in front of our fans. For a few years I probably thought it was never going to be possible – to put the colours on for the team you grew up loving and supporting.

“I’m just super grateful. I’m sure the way I play with passion and energy – hopefully the fans will give that back.

“It’s an exciting stage for our football Club. Hopefully we can really challenge – you want to bring members and fans along for the ride and on the journey. You want them to be there for the wins and the losses. It could be something pretty special, you wouldn’t want to miss out.”

Western Bulldogs Player Acquisition and Strategy Manager Michael Regan said landing a player of Butters' calibre was a statement of intent from the Club and its ambitions moving forward.

"We are absolutely thrilled that a player of Zak's calibre has chosen to come home to the Western Bulldogs," Regan said.

“Zak is one of the competition's genuine superstars, a fairest and best winner, All Australian and AFLCA Champion player, he brings a competitive streak and match-winning attributes that will only strengthen our current group.

“He is a proud son of the west having dreamed of wearing red, white and blue since he was a boy and clearly has an exciting vision for our football Club as we continue to strive for sustained success.

"He will add enormous quality to our midfield and invaluable leadership experience within our locker room having previously been captain at Port Adelaide.

“Our fans and members should be tremendously excited by the prospect of seeing Zak run out in red, white and blue in Round 1 next season.”

Player Profile: Zak Butters

DOB: 08/09/2000
Height: 181cm
Position: Midfielder
Drafted: #12, 2018 National Draft
Recruited From: Darley / Maribyrnong College / Western Jets / Port Adelaide

Career Games: 156
Career Goals: 73
Career Brownlow Votes: 83

Career Honours:

• 3 x All Australian (2023, 2024, 2026)
• 3 x Port Adelaide Best & Fairest (2023, 2024, 2025)
• 2 x AFLPA Most Courageous Player (2023, 2024)
• 2 x Showdown Medals (2024, 2026)
• AFLCA Champion Player of the Year (2023)