Zak Butters

Zak Butters is a talented Australian rules footballer who plays for the Port Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on September 8, 2000, Butters was drafted by Port Adelaide with the 12th overall pick in the 2018 AFL draft. From the outset, he showcased his exceptional skills and determination on the field, quickly establishing himself as a promising young talent within the league.

The 2023 season proved to be a breakout year for Butters, as he delivered a series of outstanding performances that earned him his first All-Australian selection. He further solidified his status as a top-tier player by winning the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award with an impressive 109 votes. His consistent excellence throughout the season culminated in him receiving the prestigious John Cahill Medal, awarded to Port Adelaide’s best and fairest player. Butters’s contributions were vital to his team’s success, and he quickly became a fan favorite.

As the 2024 season approached, Butters’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed vice-captain of Port Adelaide, working alongside fellow draftee Connor Rozee. This role not only highlighted his growth as a player but also reflected the trust his teammates and coaching staff had in him. However, his season took an unexpected turn in Round 19, when he made headlines by becoming the most fined player in the history of the AFL’s Match Review, surpassing Toby Greene with a double fine during a match against Richmond.

Despite this record, Butters continued to demonstrate his skill and competitiveness on the field. He won his first Showdown Medal in Showdown LVI against cross-town rivals Adelaide, delivering a standout performance with 42 disposals—the most by any individual in a Showdown match. As he continues to develop his game and leadership at Port Adelaide, Zak Butters is poised to be a key figure in the AFL for years to come, embodying the spirit and tenacity of his club.