A complex multi-club trade involving up to seven teams is reportedly in development, potentially unlocking a series of player moves ahead of the upcoming AFL trade deadline. Central to the negotiations is the Western Bulldogs’ pursuit of star midfielder Zak Butters from Port Adelaide.

Butters, a three-time All-Australian, has nominated the Bulldogs as his preferred destination during this restricted free agency period. However, the Bulldogs have yet to formally lodge the necessary paperwork with the AFL, a step required ahead of the Friday evening deadline. This filing would trigger a 72-hour window for Port Adelaide to either accept a compensation offer, reportedly pick No.5 in the upcoming draft, or match the Bulldogs’ offer and force a trade negotiation.

The Bulldogs have delayed lodging their free agency claim while working to meet Port Adelaide’s demands, which reportedly include a package of three first-round draft picks, potentially spread across this year’s and the next year’s drafts. The negotiations have expanded to involve up to five other clubs, with discussions centering on a large-scale trade that could facilitate multiple player movements beyond Butters.

Sources indicate that the proposed mega deal could be executed in stages due to the complexity and volume of assets involved, including players and significant draft selections. Apart from securing Butters, the Bulldogs aim to acquire Finn Maginness from Hawthorn and Hudson O’Keeffe from Carlton as part of the broader arrangement.

Additionally, the negotiations may have ripple effects for other clubs. North Melbourne’s Zane Duursma is reportedly linked to a potential move to Melbourne within the scope of the mega trade. This, in turn, might enable North Melbourne to secure further draft currency to pursue key defender Nick Murray from Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Todd Marshall is expected to remain at Port Adelaide after a proposed trade involving him moving to the Bulldogs was blocked by the AFL. The league reportedly ruled against the trade due to the financial implications, as the Bulldogs would have needed to absorb the full remainder of Marshall’s contract.

As clubs continue to negotiate, the signature deal must be finalised before Friday’s free agency paperwork deadline to give all parties clarity on the movements ahead of the trade period. The evolving situation highlights the increasing complexity of player movement logistics in the AFL, where multi-club arrangements are becoming key to unlocking talent redistribution.