‘Best chance to flourish’: Bulldogs finally land sorely needed defensive help for flag tilt

The Western Bulldogs’ hopes of emerging as legitimate premiership contenders next season have been further buoyed after landing a sorely needed key defender through free agency on Saturday.

Jordon Butts, an unrestricted free agent, fell out of favour with the Crows this season, but he has been guaranteed a five-year contract with the Bulldogs, who had their season extinguished by the Crows in an elimination final last month.

The Crows have been awarded band-three compensation, ensuring they have an extra pick in the second round of the draft (currently pick No.33).

Butts, 26, played 94 games for the Crows over eight seasons. He averaged 11 disposals, including three intercept marks, per game in the nine senior games he played this year.

“I’m motivated to come into the club and make a difference, continuing to grow as a player and help the team wherever possible, working alongside some really talented individuals,” Butts said on Saturday.

“There is a lot of excitement and optimism around the club at the moment, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of it as we chase success together.”

The Bulldogs have, at times, struggled defensively, but Butts’ signing will help to alleviate these issues, given he will play alongside Buku Khamis – who has signed a five-year contract extension – and the hardworking James O’Donnell.

The Crows had hoped to secure a higher compensation pick, but those hopes were dashed when GWS and the Brisbane Lions were each given band-three compensation for losing Toby Greene and Lachie Neale respectively.

Western Bulldogs player acquisition and strategy manager Michael Regan said Butts’ intercept marking skills were of high value.

“We are thrilled that a player of Jordon’s calibre chose to join the Western Bulldogs for 2027 and beyond,” Regan said.

“Jordon is a talented and competitive key defender who has proven he can negate and intercept against the best key forwards in the competition. His skill set complements our existing backline, and as a high-quality footballer and person, he’ll add to our culture while giving himself and our defensive group the best chance to flourish.”

Fellow Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb may have to complete the final year on his contract, despite being linked with a move to St Kilda ahead of Monday’s official start to the trade period. Saints football manager Lenny Hayes told AFL Trade Radio that a deal for the versatile tall appeared unlikely.

“His name has been mentioned, and there was some talk that we’ve put a three-year contract to Rory. I can say that isn’t the case. And that’s probably looking less likely than likely,” Hayes said.

Lobb, 33, has played 81 games for the Bulldogs since joining from Fremantle after the 2022 season.

Butts’ defection adds to what shapes as a gold-plated off-season for the Bulldogs, who are also expected to secure Zak Butters – the Port Adelaide star having officially nominated the club as his preferred destination via restricted free agency on a historic nine-year deal worth up to $2 million per season, the biggest deal in AFL history.

However, complexities remain in rubber-stamping the move. The Power will have to decide whether to match the offer to Butters or force a trade. If they choose not to match, they will receive what is currently pick No.5 in the national draft – the selection after Port’s first pick. The Power, however, have made it clear they want more, and are potentially seeking up to three first-round selections. The AFL is in lock-step with both clubs to ensure any deal is above board.

The Power’s early draft selections will be needed to match the likely bid at pick No.1 for their academy gun Dougie Cochrane.

Geelong, Richmond and Collingwood had also pursued Butters, who hails from Darley near Bacchus Marsh and grew up a Bulldogs fan.

Star Crows midfielder Izak Rankine has inked a five-year contract extension with the club.

“I grew up a diehard Crows supporter and playing here is all I’ve ever wanted,” Rankine said.

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