Zak Butters

Zak Butters, born on September 8, 2000, in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, is a professional Australian rules footballer. He began his career with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup and attended Maribyrnong College’s selective sports academy. Butters was drafted by the Port Adelaide Football Club with the 12th pick in the 2018 AFL draft. He made his AFL debut in 2019 against Melbourne, kicking two goals, marking the start of an impactful career. From an early age, he supported the Western Bulldogs, the club he would later be prominently linked with through trade rumors.

Butters quickly established himself as a key player for Port Adelaide, known for his aggressive playstyle and refined skills. His career trajectory has been consistently upward since arriving at the club in 2018. A standout year in 2023 saw him earn his first All-Australian selection, win the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, and secure his first John Cahill Medal for Port Adelaide’s best and fairest player. He continued this success into 2024 and 2025, demonstrating sustained high-level performance.

His leadership qualities were formally recognized in 2024 when he was appointed vice-captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Beyond his club achievements, Butters has accumulated multiple personal accolades, including two All-Australian blazers, two AFLPA Most Courageous Player Awards, and the Peter Badcoe VC Medal in 2025. Despite ongoing speculation regarding potential moves to Victorian clubs due to family ties, Butters has maintained his commitment to Port Adelaide.