The Bulldogs reported offer of an $18 million nine-year offer for Zak Butters reeks of desperation, according to Kane Cornes who believes the club would be over paying for the star.

Earlier this week, Butters told Port Adelaide he would be leaving as a restricted free agent with the Dogs, Geelong and Richmond the three clubs in the running for his signature.

Butters will become the AFL’s highest payer come October irrespective of which club he nominates, but the money being discussed is now out of control according to Cornes.

“He’s 26 in September and gets injured a lot,” he said on SEN Fireball. “Are you giving him nine years, $18 million and giving up a whole heap of capital?

“It feels too much, its reached desperation stage and you’re overpaying. It feels desperate.

“Why is he worth more now than 12 months ago?

“How much is too much?

“Then what if you miss? You’ve thrown the biggest offer in club history, Butters is offered $600-700 more than Bont, then you miss, what happens?

“The fallout from the miss is significant. What’s your back up?”

David King explained the clubs involved have to be able to know they did everything they could.

“You have to be able to look your fans in the eye and say ‘we have exhausted every option’.

“There's a desperate need to get involved now before Tassie get involved and cock up the draft.

“I’m of the belief that if you have a competent list like the Dogs do right now, their time is now.

“If you can get this guy, he’s a difference maker. And you’re not playing against him!”

King also took aim at the notion of free agency and the damage it does to the game.

“I hate free agency, I always have,” he said.

“The rich get richer again. You pick apart the carcass of the clubs that are battling.

“At a minimum you drive the price up through the roof. To me it’s never really worked and has done nothing to equalise the competition.”