Port Adelaide ace Zak Butters avoids sanction after contentious bump on Bulldog
Updated . First published
Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters remains in the running for the Brownlow Medal after avoiding being sanctioned for a bump on Western Bulldogs youngster Joel Freijah.
Butters faced a nervous wait after laying a bump on Freijah on Friday night, but the match review officer has deemed the gun midfielder made "predominantly body contact" and ruled any high contact was only "negligible".
Butters ran past the ball at a stoppage in the fourth quarter and elected to bump, giving away a free kick.
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Zak Butters' contact on Joel Freijah. Fox Footy
Freijah laid motionless on the ground for a brief period of time but got back on his feet and played out the game.
"Freijah gets hands to a high handball that goes over his head whilst Butters approaches from side on," match review officer Michael Christian said.
"As Freijah lands, Butters elects to bump, making predominately body contact with Freijah.
"Based on all available evidence, it was the view of the MRO that any high contact to Freijah was negligible and as a result, Butters' actions did not constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken."
Butters' signature is currently the most sought after in the AFL.
He's off contract at season's end and set to become a restricted free agent. Port Adelaide have pledged to match any offer that comes for him.
The Bulldogs and Geelong are reportedly the best-placed rival teams in the fight for his signature.
Zak Butters and his Port Adelaide teammates walk off after their two-point win on Friday night. AFL Photos via Getty Images
After Friday night's game, which the Bulldogs won by two points, Freijah was asked about the prospect of playing alongside Butters next season.
"We'll see what happens, whether he stays or comes," Freijah told The Age.
"He's a great fella, Zakky, and a great player as well.
"It would be an honour to play with him.
"I was in Ballarat, and he's a Darley boy, so I've come across him a few times, and we've obviously played against each other.
"Zak's a ruthless competitor. It's great playing against guys like that."
