NEW recruit Zak Butters is pumped to play alongside three-time club best and fairest Robbie Gray – and it’s safe to say the feeling’s mutual.
After being drafted to Port Adelaide at Pick 12 in the 2018 National Draft, the 18-year old was quick to point to Gray as a player he admires, admitting he’s got one of Gray’s guernseys at home.
And Gray’s been keeping an eye on the youngster too, according to Senior Coach Ken Hinkley.
“One of our absolute best players - Robbie Gray – can’t wait to play with you and put you under his wing – he loves you,” Hinkley told Butters on Thursday night.
“He’ll be pumped…all he’s talking about is you, he takes a real interest in the draft.
“[Robbie] said ‘I really like that Butters’ and we said, so do we mate!”
Butters is fast and creative and will most likely start as a small forward option before he progresses into a midfield role.
He says he’ll be hitting the gym to build his body over the coming months.
“I like to use my class and skill and pace to play with an energetic pace,” he told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“In the
But it’s his mental game that could give him an edge at the AFL level – commentators on the night described Butters as “chirpy” and “cheeky” on the field – a description he embraces.
“Personality-wise I like to play on the edge a bit… I try and win battles mentally as well, so I think that just adds a bit of dimension to my game.”
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