Hinkley: Bulldogs are the 'perfect match' for Butters

Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has reflected on Zak Butters’ decision to nominate the Western Bulldogs as his preferred trade destination.

The 26-year-old’s future has been heavily speculated throughout the year, with Geelong, Richmond and the Bulldogs as the three main clubs interested in his services.

But on Saturday morning, it was reported that the three-time All-Australian intends to play in red, white and blue from next year onwards, which will see him earn in the vicinity of $1.8-2 million per year, as per SEN’s Sam Edmund.

With the potential move, it now creates plenty of headaches for the rest of the AFL, who will now have to contend with a midfield containing Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards and Butters.

“From my personal point of view, I think it's the perfect match for him,” Hinkley said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“He is a Western Bulldogs boy; he's grown up a Dogs supporter. He's grown up a Bont (Marcus Bontempelli) fan.

“He’s everything that the Bulldogs require, and he's everything about the Western Suburbs in some ways; he's a dirty little dog.

“He's a tough little fella, and he likes to play hard and rough.”

With his new contract, he is set to become the highest-paid player in the competition, which will see some pressure come towards him.

But having coached Butters for seven of his eight seasons in the AFL, Hinkley believes he is more than capable of handling it.

“He will thrive under the spotlight of the contract; that won't worry him,” Hinkley added.

“We've all seen him this year handle the speculation, and has he been under any more pressure than he's ever gonna be in this year?

“He just kept handling it, and he kept stepping up and playing well. He's got a couple of people that he's gonna be playing alongside that might help.

“There's a bloke called Bont, and Ed Richards that are gonna be there to help him. I reckon it's a formidable group of midfielders.”

In his 17 games this season, Butters averaged 29.8 disposals, 6.1 clearances and 5.7 inside 50s.

With the three-time club best and fairest being a restricted free agent, Port Adelaide has the ability to match the offer made and force a trade.

The Trade Period begins on October 5 and finishes on October 14. The free agency window opens on October 2 and closes on October 9.