Zak Butters in 10-Year Deal as Geelong Addresses Bailey Smith Rumours

Port Adelaide Stands by Zak Butters Amid Trade Speculation

Port Adelaide has taken a firm stance against reports suggesting that their star player, Zak Butters, is set to leave the club for a rival team. The club has reiterated its commitment to keeping Butters at the forefront of their plans, emphasizing his long-term future with the side. Despite ongoing trade speculation, the club remains confident in Butters’ dedication and value to the team.

Jason Cripps, Port Adelaide’s list boss, has been vocal about the club’s intentions. “We want Zak to be at the club for the next 10 years, and that will be our sole focus at the right time,” he stated. Cripps also highlighted that Butters is fully committed to the club and plays a crucial role in their future strategy.

Despite this, there have been claims that Butters had discussions with the club regarding a potential move to Victoria. However, these reports have been firmly denied by Cripps, who emphasized that Butters has never raised the possibility of being traded. “Zak has never broached the idea of being traded,” he said. “We’ve had ongoing discussions with Zak and his management group… as we do with all our players, in particular our interstate players, over the journey.”

Cripps added that the club continues to engage with players, but for Butters, the message is clear: he is happy and committed to Port Adelaide. “As I said, Zak is 100 per cent committed and happy at the club,” he concluded.

Geelong Faces Backlash Over Mad Monday Controversy

Meanwhile, Geelong has found itself in the spotlight due to the fallout from its Mad Monday celebrations. The event, which typically marks the end of the season, took an unexpected turn after some controversial elements sparked public criticism.

Bailey Smith, who had an outstanding season in 2025, became the focal point of the controversy. His actions during the celebrations, including questionable social media posts and costumes, drew scrutiny from fans and media alike. Kane Cornes, a former player and commentator, was particularly critical, singling out several players, including Smith, for their behavior.

In response to the backlash, Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie acknowledged the issues but stressed that the club is not perfect. “Obviously, we're not perfect. We don't stand here and pretend to be,” he said. Mackie added that the club is a work in progress and is committed to learning from its mistakes.

Geelong finally released a statement addressing the situation, expressing sincere apologies for the offense caused. The statement highlighted that certain costumes and social media posts were inappropriate and did not reflect the club’s values. It also announced that future post-season events would be restructured to ensure they align with the club’s standards.

Mackie also addressed concerns about Smith’s whereabouts, stating that the club is in dialogue with him and that the previous reports were inaccurate. “I was aware what he was up to,” he said. Mackie praised Smith’s contributions to the game and emphasized the importance of continued education and improvement.

AFL Concerned About the Outcome

The AFL has also expressed concern over the incident, with football performance boss Greg Swann stating that both the league and Geelong are not pleased with the outcome. “They're actually dealing with it. We think the clubs are the best people to deal with it, their players,” he said.

As the dust settles on the Mad Monday drama, both Port Adelaide and Geelong are focusing on their respective futures. While Port Adelaide remains steadfast in its commitment to Butters, Geelong is taking steps to ensure such incidents do not occur again. Both clubs are navigating the challenges of the off-season while preparing for the upcoming season.