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‘Coming straight after you!’ Horne-Francis’ cheeky Butters message after free agency announcement Jason Horne-Francis has nothing but love for teammate Zak Butters after the Port Adelaide superstar confirmed his looming exit from the club. But Horne-Francis is already looking forward to locking horns with Butters in 2027. Watch every match of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Butters this week confirmed he would depart Alberton as a free agent to return to Victoria, with his new club still to be determined. Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond are all vying for the midfielder’s services after Collingwood got ruled out of the race. Speaking on Triple M radio on Friday, Horne-Francis cheekily said he’d be gunning straight for Butters in his new colours next year. “Me and Zak have already chatted about how it’s going to be the first time we come up against each other,” Horne-Francis said on 104.7 Triple M. “Should be good fun. I said ‘we’re not tagging you, I’m just coming straight after you!’ “We’ve had a few battles at training, so it’ll be good to do that (in a game).” The Cats recently emerged as the new frontrunners for Butters, while the Bulldogs have reportedly upped their offer to the 25-year old. The Power are expected to match any offer Butters receives as a restricted free agent and force a trade. “(Butters) hung around (the club) for a couple of days ... I think he’ll be back for the B&F,” Horne-Francis added. “He’s been around, he’s been celebrating. He was still (in) high spirits. The boys were having a bit of fun with it, and fun with him. “It’s still good. We still love Zak.” Horne-Francis, 23, played three seasons alongside Butters after the former No. 1 draft pick’s move from North Melbourne at the end of 2022.