‘Can’t do that’: Greg Swann responds to Butters free agency theory... and what won’t be allowed

AFL football boss Greg Swann has warned that any trade accompanying Zak Butters’ restricted free agency move must stand on its own merits, signalling the league will not allow clubs to manipulate compensation bands.

The Power superstar Butters last Saturday nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination ahead of 2027, however as a restricted free agent, Port can match any offer and force a trade, or decline to match and receive first-band free-agency compensation — currently pick No.5.

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Industry speculation in recent days has narrowed in on the potential of both clubs seeking a secondary trade if Port Adelaide accepted pick No.5, which has seen Port utility Todd Marshall also linked to the Kennel in exchange for two first-round selections.

The league’s Executive General Manager, however, has cautioned the clubs from working outside the realms of an annual memo sent to all 18 clubs.

“It (a memo) goes out every year ... here’s the rules, follow the rules and then everyone’s okay,” Swann told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night.

“You’d have to look at it, but on the surface, it would have to stand on its own feet. But, there’s other permutations to it ... if the debate is around they (Port Adelaide) pay money as well, you can’t do that if there’s a compensation pick paid.

“If he’s going to the Bulldogs, and you need to pay X amount of money to get to the band to get first-round compensation. Then, at the next level you get a player back, where the club has got the compensation pays (their) money, you’re manipulating the band.

“You can’t do that. In this instance, there’s been debate about us getting out of the way, but because there’s a compensation pick involved (we will).

“People are talking about two first-round picks (for Marshall). Again, we haven’t seen it and it’s only speculation. But, speaking to people today that Marshall hasn’t even said he’s going to go at the moment.

“In this instance, let’s just see what happens. There might be other things involved, there might be other picks and players involved. We are speculating a little bit, but in the main it’s got to be pretty close — or some semblance of close.”

AFL 360 host and Melbourne great Garry Lyon argued Marshall’s recent on-field output doesn’t justify that price on face value.

“He was the 274th-ranked player in 2023, 355th in 2024 and 346th in 2026. When he did qualify in the last five years, he’s a bottom 15-ranked in the competition. You sign off on two first-round picks there, that ain’t cutting it,” he said.

After missing the entire 2025 season, Marshall played 15 games this season mostly as a defender.

Swann went on to explain that Gold Coast’s free agency compensation for Ben King’s departure would be diluted in the instance Scott Pendlebury arrived at the Suns as a free agent, which will subsequently see them and Collingwood trade for the 38-year-old.

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