Player Rater

30th August 2011 Category: General

Image: Slattery Media Group

3 weeks ago, John Butcher hadn’t played a senior AFL game. 3 games and 3 promising performances later, Butcher’s a top target for at least 4 Victorian based clubs.

How did Port Adelaide let this happen?

Back in 2009, The Power selected Butcher with the 8th pick in the national draft. After struggling with persistent back problems last year, Butcher made his debut 3 weeks ago against Hawthorn in Round 20. In his first 3 games he’s averaged just under 4 goals and game and over 5 marks a game. In doing so he's caught the eye of clubs in need of a key forward.

From Port’s perspective, though, it didn’t matter what Butcher did in his first three games, they always intended on offering him a new deal - Clubs don’t release first round key forwards at the age of 20. So why - with his contract up at the end of the season - would Port put Butcher in the shop window?

Rewind to early August, Port Adelaide Operations Manger, Peter Rohde said: “He's shown a fair bit in the SANFL so he's one we want to give a chance to before the end of the season." But surely the club would have been better advised to secure Butcher’s signature before exposing his talents to the league?

Worst case scenario: Butcher goes home to Victoria and Port receive no compensation.