Adelaide defender Jordon Butts has officially decided to leave the Crows, with confirmation on Friday, October 2, that the unrestricted free agent will sign for the Western Bulldogs. After playing 94 games across eight seasons at West Lakes, the 26-year-old is heading home to Victoria following a medical test at the Whitten Oval.
Butts Nominates Western Bulldogs in Free Agency Move
The Western Bulldogs have finally landed their man after previously attempting to secure the key defender this time last year. Back then, a trade proved too difficult to arrange while he remained under contract, but his free agency status has now simplified the transition. Following a medical examination on Monday, Butts notified both clubs of his choice on Friday.
The Crows confirmed the departure in an official statement:
“Jordon Butts has informed the Club he intends to sign with the Western Bulldogs via Free Agency this off-season,” the Crows said in a statement on Friday.
Photo: afc.com.au
Selected at Pick 39 in the 2018 Rookie Draft, Butts served eight seasons in South Australia. However, his 2026 campaign was heavily disrupted. After operating as Mark Keane’s injury replacement early in the year, a calf injury sustained in June sidelined him indefinitely, limiting his senior appearances to just nine matches for the season. Adelaide expressed appreciation for his tenure:
“The Club would like to thank Jordon for his commitment and professionalism over the past eight years and wish him all the best for the future,” the club added.
For Luke Beveridge’s side, the acquisition provides crucial defensive depth. Butts will slot into a backline alongside James O’Donnell and Buku Khamis, the latter of whom recently penned a five-year contract extension. This move follows the Bulldogs securing a commitment from high-profile recruit Zak Butters ahead of the 2027 season.
Tim English Manager Quashes Rumours of Western Australia Return
While defensive personnel changes take shape at the Whitten Oval, speculation regarding ruckman Tim English’s long-term future has been firmly put to bed by his management. Rumours had linked the West Australian to a potential move to Greater Western Sydney following his wife, Australian netballer Rudi Ellis, signing to play in Sydney next season.
Photo: afl.com.au
Speaking on the Gettable podcast, manager Andrew McDougall addressed the uncertainty directly:
“Tim’s committed to the Bulldogs,” McDougall said on afl.com.au’s Gettable podcast.
McDougall noted that list additions and retention played a key role in solidifying his choice:
“Also having Butters – I know it hasn’t been officially done over the trade period yet but with Butters nominating the Bulldogs and also having Buku (Khamis) who is a really good friend of his stay, Artie Jones, they’ll get (Sam) Darcy back – there’s a really big push at the club,” he explained. “He’s a big part of the future there, Tim. He’s got three years left. Tim will be staying next year with the club. He wants to stay, he’s excited to stay.”
Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs AFL Football Round 2
Ellis previously admitted that living apart created challenges, with her relocation occurring with a heavy heart and amounting to a big low. Despite rival inquiries arising after Ellis joined the Swifts to chase a Diamonds squad spot, McDougall emphasized that the parties are prepared to manage the transit:
“There’s a lot of movement in terms of flying back and forth but the Dogs are going to be accommodating there too,” McDougall said. “We had a few clubs reach out – I think there was probably more interest as soon as Rudi officially landed at the Swifts. You want to be with your wife and your partner and live in the same state, but Tim is committed to the club. Tim always wanted to stay.”
