Melbourne’s Ambitions and the Zak Butters Situation
Melbourne coach Steven King has openly acknowledged that his club is likely no longer in the running for Port Adelaide star Zak Butters, stating that the race for his services “played out a year in advance.” Butters, a key midfielder for the Power, is considered the top target available this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Victoria. While the Western Bulldogs are seen as the frontrunner due to his childhood support for the club, all 10 Victorian teams have been connected with him in some way.
Butters reportedly inquired about a potential move during last year’s trade period, but was firmly told no by Port Adelaide. Now, he is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, giving him the choice of where to go while the Power retains the right to match any deal and force a trade. They have already made it clear they will do so.
Speaking on Monday, King said the Dees were “not really sure” if they were still in the mix for Butters, suggesting the race may have already been decided. He did not elaborate further and was not asked for clarification.
“We’d be like every club that would love to have him, but from what you hear, I think it’s down to a couple and we might not be part of that discussion,” King told SEN.
“We’re certainly doing work behind the scenes to let him know that we’re an option.
But that’s probably been played out for a year or so in advance.”
Melbourne has shown significant improvement under King this season, winning six of their first nine games and ranking fourth in the competition for scoring, behind Sydney, Brisbane, and Geelong. The coach believes the team has become an attractive trade destination by the end of the season.
“Everything’s on the table for us at the end of the year,” he said.
“We go into the off-season, I know it’s a long way away, but we’ve got two first-round picks, we’ve got room in our cap.
Hopefully people among the industry are watching us play and think, ‘gee, I’d love to be part of that’.
And if they can make our club better, I think everything’s on the table for us.”
King also mentioned the possibility of targeting another quality midfielder in the trade period. He pointed to veteran on-baller Jack Viney, who has yet to play this season due to injury.
“We look at our list in entirety. We’re young in some certain areas, but I think you’d always add a midfielder into your group, the way the game’s played now,” he said.
“Someone that can play inside-outside, I like players that can play dual positions. The way the game’s played now, I think having more options gives you greater flexibility.”
Kysaiah Pickett and MRO Scrutiny
Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett faces MRO scrutiny for a high bump on West Coast’s Jake Waterman on Sunday. If he is banned, it would mark the fourth of his short career to date.
King, however, is not looking to change the midfielder’s aggressive style of play at this stage.
“With the way (Pickett) plays you don’t want to temper too much of his instinct and natural attack on the ball,” he said.
“But he is maturing. I think you saw his concern when the incident happened. I did get on the phone and let him know that I thought he was playing the ball and he had nothing to worry about.
Kozzy knows how important he is to us. We want him to play every game, he wants to play every game because he wants to be a great player for us and the best in the comp.
We won’t sit down with him but he understands.”
Pickett played statistically his worst game of the season, with reports suggesting he was rattled by the potential fallout from the bump on Waterman. The Eagle played out the game, however, and did not undergo a concussion test.
