Zak Butters delivered a masterclass in Showdown 60, playing with urgency and poise to dismantle Adelaide and reaffirm his status as the most sought-after player in the AFL. From his first game, where he stood up to Max Gawn, Butters has shown no fear, earning the label "a competitive little prick" from former coach Ken Hinkley. Against the Crows, he excelled at stoppages and ground-level contests, combining with ruckman Jordon Sweet to shark taps and drive Port's dominance.
Butters and Horne-Francis run riot
Butters and Jason Horne-Francis terrorized the Crows, amassing 66 possessions and 23 clearances between them. Butters showcased both hyperactivity and composure, checking his kicks to teammate Mitch Georgiades. The pair's partnership, though likely short-lived if Butters returns to Victoria, proved devastating. Butters grew up a Western Bulldogs fan idolizing Marcus Bontempelli, and Victorian clubs are desperate for his signature, but he has remained an outstanding contributor despite the speculation.
Port Adelaide's intensity reminiscent of 1914
Port wore their prison bar jumper honoring the undefeated 1914 team, and their intensity matched that era. After a lackluster round one loss to North Melbourne, Port has played strong football but struggled in close finishes. Against Adelaide, their attack on the ball and gang tackling left the Crows with no room or time. Adelaide failed to clamp down on Butters and Horne-Francis, and when their clearance game falters and Jordan Dawson is less than magnificent, they wilt.
Fremantle's dominant run continues
In the final round game, Fremantle thrashed Gold Coast to go two games clear atop the ladder. Their 14 wins have varied from romps to comebacks to grind-it-out battles. The Dockers have no injured players, a testament to conditioning and luck—something they've lacked historically. They've used only 30 players in 2026, and if they reach a preliminary or grand final, coach Justin Longmuir will face tough selection calls.
Gold Coast, a far cry from last September's finals team, spent energy arguing with umpires and each other. Fremantle's wind is at their back, and their depth will be tested.
