Port Adelaide gun Zak Butters insists he's not thinking about the huge free agency call looming over his 2026 season - yet.
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But the midfielder is confident Port can fire some shots under new coach Josh Carr.
The 25-year-old Victorian is out of contract at the end of 2026 and clearly the hottest player on the market.
Power vice-captain Butters had a late start to pre-season due to a minor groin operation and insisted ramping up his training had been his priority.
"In terms of the decision, I haven't actually thought about it too much just yet," Butters said.
"Obviously coming back from a little injury and trying to get back out there and train and play and get ready for the upcoming season, so that's probably where my main focus has been there.
"But that's definitely something I'll have to start thinking about soon.
"I haven't set (a) timeline for myself.
"It's definitely one I'm in no rush to make and I'll definitely feel like I'll make it when the time's right with the club, with my manager, with my family and I feel like everyone will be on the same page."
Butters noted most talks tended to happen between the club and his management but said he'd had "chats" with teammates and family about his decision.
The tough midfielder will have attention on him all season but brushed it off as "noise".
"It could definitely be worse and I feel like I'll just keep training hard, keep doing my job and keep showing up and being the best player and person I can be," he said.
Carr will take the reins full-time after he was announced as Ken Hinkley's successor in February this year.
"I have a lot of trust in Josh myself, " Butters said at a Cooper's Pale Ale event in Adelaide on Sunday.
"Obviously being my line coach for the last couple of years and the work he's done with me as an individual, I feel like he's going to do that with the wider group and the majority of the team as well.
"So far definitely can't fault him, he's been super for the boys so far and his game plan stuff and what he's brought into the club has been really good and energetic and I've really enjoyed it.
"It's definitely not about me, the situation. The Port Adelaide Football club's much bigger than me and it's something I'm very grateful to be a part of."
Butters stressed he has a "great relationship" with Carr and had faith in Port's direction.
"Obviously I want to be playing really good footy and be a part of a good footy team and I have the full trust in (Carr) to do that," he said.
"And obviously Ben Rutten coming to the club as well, I feel like we've got some really good people involved in the club as well - six or so new coaches.
"I trust the club, I always have and I'm looking forward to getting out there."
Australian Associated Press
