AFL: Jordon Butts Confirms Free-Agency Move to Western Bulldogs

2 hours ago - The Sporting Base

Adelaide key defender Jordon Butts has confirmed he will join the Western Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent, with both clubs acknowledging the move as the free-agency period opened.

Jordon Butts has informed Adelaide he intends to sign with the Western Bulldogs via unrestricted free agency, the Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs confirmed, with AFL.com.au reporting the 26-year-old completed a medical at Whitten Oval before notifying both clubs on Friday.

What the clubs said

Adelaide said Butts spent eight seasons at West Lakes after arriving via Pick 39 in the 2019 Rookie Draft, played 94 games, and will officially join the Bulldogs once the free-agency period began on Friday 2 October. The Crows thanked him for his commitment and professionalism and wished him well.

The Bulldogs said Butts “has today confirmed his intention to join the Western Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent” and will make the move to Mission Whitten Oval during the 2026 free-agency period.

Five-year deal reported

AFL.com.au’s Josh Gabelich reported Butts is set to move next month on a five-year deal, after the Bulldogs also secured a commitment from Zak Butters earlier this month. Coach Luke Beveridge has long sought another key defender to play alongside James O’Donnell and Buku Khamis. Adelaide wanted to keep Butts and still hoped midweek he would stay; he managed only nine games in 2026 under Matthew Nicks.

Exact annual dollars and any compensation outcome for Adelaide as the losing club were not detailed in the club statements. Free-agency paperwork timelines beyond the clubs’ intention statements remain a developing administrative step.

Unconfirmed: exact contract dollars; AFL compensation pick band for Adelaide; formal lodgement timestamp beyond club intention notices.

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