Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the club will continue to explore all avenues to try and lure superstar free agent Zak Butters ahead of rival suitors.
Fresh reports have stated Geelong is the frontrunner for the Port jet after the Bulldogs have long been considered the likely landing spot ahead of fellow contenders Richmond and Collingwood.
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Responding to news that the Cats are the new favourites, Beveridge said he’s “not sure” if it’s true and ensured the Dogs would look to leave no unturned in the chase for the free agent.
“There’s rumblings. I mean, you’re always working out what you can do,” Beveridge said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night.
“You know, have you spent everything that you can? Not in regards to the dollar, but is there any more you can do?
“Is there another angle? (Like) With any player like Zak who you who you’re really determined to bring in.
“Sometimes when you hear those rumours, they’re valid. Other times, they’re probably misdirected.
“We’re not sure of the impact of that one, but it could be true and we’ve got to continue to do what we can to see if we can bring Zak in if he makes that decision (to leave Port).”
It comes after it was revealed last week that the Magpies had tabled a club record deal to Butters worth as much as $14 million over eight years. Though it’s still triumphed by Richmond's reported mammoth offer worth a total of $18 million over eight years, which is north of $2 million a season.
Beveridge has been open about the Bulldogs’ pursuit of Butters and previously spoken on the “romance” of the gun midfielder potentially joining the club he grew up supporting.
While Beveridge hasn’t confirmed talk that the Dogs have met with Butters, Power coach Josh Carr has hit back at rival clubs openly discussing their interest in the dual All-Australian.
Though the Dogs coach has said he didn’t want the AFL to go down the NRL route and have players declare they’re moving to another club during the season.
The Dogs are also targeting Adelaide defender Jordon Butts as the ninth-placed club looks to beef up its list in an “important off-season.”
And Beveridge thinks the club’s list transition and strong track record under his lead, with a premiership including two grand final appearances among eight finals campaigns since 2015, has it well placed moving forward.
