Zak Butters has narrowly missed out on a fourth-straight John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide’s best and fairest player, in a sad twist to his departure from the AFL club. Last month the star midfielder confirmed he’ll leave Port after eight years to return to Victoria to be closer to family.
He’s reportedly deciding between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, with Richmond also keen but tipped to miss out. Some Port fans would have been hoping Butters bowed out with another John Cahill Medal after winning the club’s top gong in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Zak Butters (centre) narrowly missed out on the John Cahill Medal to Jason Horne-Francis (R). Image: Port Adelaide Football Club/Paris Nicholson
But he was pipped by Jason Horne-Francis, who won the club’s best and fairest for the first time. Horne-Francis finished with 88 votes to narrowly pip Butters with 83.
Mitch Georgiades was third with 69 votes and won the leading goal-kicker trophy for the third-straight season with 51 goals. Vice-captain Willem Drew (56 votes) and young midfielder Joe Richards (55 votes) rounded out the top 5.
Jason Horne-Francis won his first John Cahill Medal. Image: Port Adelaide Football Club
It was a fitting reward for Horne-Francis after a breakout season for the 23-year-old. “I loved the challenge of coming up against the best midfielders in the comp, or someone that wants to run around with you. The extra bit of leadership I’ve had to take on this year, I’ve loved it,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve found the balance where I can lead and keep some consistency in my game. As a playing group, we’re all hungry and optimistic about where the group can go. Very hungry to have a good off-season and get back out there.”
Zak Butters deciding between Geelong and Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have reportedly offered Butters a mega-contract worth $18 million over nine years. But speaking on Tuesday night, Dogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted he’s concerned he’ll choose Geelong because it’s closer to family in Darley.
“I’m none the wiser,” Beveridge said on Channel 9 program ‘Footy Classified’. “I’ve probably done my bit over the journey with Zak, and I’m sure that the Cats’ representatives have too.
“But now I think behind the scenes, the list management teams are working feverishly to convince Port Adelaide, and still to convince Zak that we’re the right club for him. But as far as any indication as to who he might choose, I have no idea.
“The geography is the one for me that I’ve been concerned about; it still sticks in my head. I’m hoping he can get through that.”
