PORT Adelaide is sticking by forward John Butcher despite the forward's continued struggles in front of goal.

Butcher kicked one goal in the Power's first-round win against Carlton, but his accuracy in front of goal was just 25 per cent.

The 22-year-old has come under much scrutiny in recent seasons for his inability to convert in front of goal and his awkward set shot, in which he appears to have little control of the ball as he drops it to his foot.

But teammate Angus Monfries praised the work Butcher had put into his kicking on the training track, claiming it was a matter of time before it paid off.

"Butcher's been working on that, he's been working at training on kicking the goals and he's been really good at that," Monfries said.

"Hopefully all the practice he's been putting in can come into fruition on the weekend.

"You've got to back your players in – Butcher's been working on it and I'm sure they'll come off."

Monfries said he had enjoyed the build-up to Saturday's historic Showdown against Adelaide, the first ever played at Adelaide Oval.

Monfries played a starring role in his side's incredible come-from-behind win against the Crows in round 19 last year, when his shot for goal miraculously bounced through for a major when it seemed destined for a behind.

Chad Wingard then famously marked Monfries' pass and kicked the match-winning goal in the final minute of the game.

Monfries laughed when asked if he had been practicing his off breaks at training, but said wins on big stages were significant morale boosters.

"That was a bit of luck last year, I don't think it'll happen again," he said.

"It's definitely a big boost to win the big games and you get yourself up for them and try to play well in them, but a win's a win."

Monfries refused to comment on Essendon's board meeting to be held on Wednesday, which could determine the coaching future of James Hird.

"I'm a Port Adelaide player now so I'll just worry about that," Monfries said.