Zak Butters entered Adelaide Oval with his trademark intensity, his eyes wide with caffeine-fueled energy and a determined smile. This match, likely his final Showdown, was set to be unforgettable. Two and a half hours later, he delivered a performance that not only showcased his talents but also solidified his position as the most desirable player in the league.
From his debut against Max Gawn, Butters has never shied away from a challenge. Ken Hinkley affectionately referred to him as a “A competitive little prick,” a sentiment echoed by the 23 Adelaide players who gave him a wide berth throughout the match.
Port Adelaide dominated the game in crucial areas, particularly during stoppages and contested ground balls, with Butters standing out in both. His connection with the much-improved ruckman Jordon Sweet allowed him to capitalize on taps with remarkable speed. His game was characterized by frenetic movement, zigzagging across the field, yet he also displayed impressive composure when delivering passes to his housemate, Mitch Georgiades.
As a lifelong Western Bulldogs fan, Butters has always looked up to Marcus Bontempelli. It’s no surprise that Luke Beveridge must have been thrilled to witness Showdown 60, as many of the Victorian clubs are eager to secure his signature. Players in his position often find it difficult to discuss their future openly, leading to a continuous cycle of speculation that rarely clarifies their intentions.
Butters has played along with this charade, but he could have easily coasted through the season. He could have opted for a mediocre performance, gathering his usual 20 to 25 touches per game and maintaining a positive reputation. Despite the team’s misfortunes, which included several close losses, he chose to be an exceptional contributor.
While no one would fault him for returning home, it’s disappointing that we may not witness the full development of his partnership with Jason Horne-Francis. Together, they overwhelmed the Crows, combining for 66 possessions and 23 clearances. Butters described the match as one of the best victories of his career, ranking it alongside finals games and Hinkley’s last match, undeniably one of his finest performances.
The prison bar jumper worn by Port was a tribute to the club’s legendary 1914 team, which completed a flawless season and triumphed in the grand final by a staggering 15 goals. Three members of that team lost their lives on the western front. Clearly, the modern Port team was fired up for this clash, exhibiting an intensity reminiscent of past Hinkley-led ambushes. After a lackluster performance against North Melbourne in the first round, Port has bounced back with strong football this season, despite struggling to secure victories in close encounters. Their aggressive approach and collective tackling unsettled the Crows.
Adelaide found themselves overwhelmed, lacking the time and space to operate effectively. Despite Butters and Horne-Francis running rampant, the Crows showed little desire to contain their influence. There is growing evidence that when faced with pressure, a struggling clearance game, and a less than stellar performance from Jordan Dawson, the Crows falter.
In the final match of the round, Fremantle distanced themselves from the competition with a decisive victory over a struggling Gold Coast team. Should the season end today, they would be five games clear in the qualifying final. Their 14 victories have manifested in various forms, from commanding wins to thrilling comebacks.
The Gold Coast team they faced on Sunday was a stark contrast to the squad that arrived in Perth last September with high hopes. After that elimination final, they departed on a chartered flight, greeted by an airline crew donning the club’s “All Gas, No Brakes” finals-themed shirts. Nowadays, they seem more focused on arguing with umpires than playing their best football.
Fremantle is currently riding a wave of momentum, bolstered by an injury-free roster—a testament to their exceptional conditioning. However, luck has historically eluded the Dockers, and with only 30 players used this season, managing a squad for a preliminary or grand final will pose a significant challenge for coach Justin Longmuir.
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