Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has urged the AFL to keep player movement confined to the end of the season amid the club's pursuit of Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
Frontrunners for Butters' services, the Bulldogs loom as the logical move for the free agent because he grew up as a die-hard supporter of the club, as well as his family's links to the west of Melbourne.
Beveridge refused to be drawn on a reported recent meeting with Butters, but reiterated the Bulldogs were desperate to land the gun midfielder.
It is almost accepted the 25-year-old will leave Port at season's end and return to Victoria after eight years.
Richmond, Geelong Collingwood are among other clubs trying to recruit Butters with monster offers.
