Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has produced a solid start to his 2023 season, playing an important on-field role in the Power’s five victories.

Averaging 24 disposals from the first seven games, the 22-year-old admits his side has been working on team connection and improving on the ‘little things’.

Butters fronted the Adelaide media on Wednesday to chat about four wins on the trot, the challenge of Essendon this Sunday and Ken Hinkley’s transition from coaching box to bench.

Butters on how the side has achieved four wins in a row
“I think we have been building over a number of weeks. I don’t think it's been (due to) a significant standout thing but just doing the little things better and just getting better at the basics for the team. (We have been) playing for each other a bit more and realising how important it is to play for your teammates and do the little things.”

Butters on Essendon this weekend
“It will be another good challenge this weekend. I don’t think you want to let any game slip but definitely not on Sunday….they've been a good team this year so far and high scoring so it's going to be a tough game and hopefully we can get the win and fight our way out.”

Butters on Essendon players Darcy Parish and Jake Stringer
“(Darcy Parish has) definitely had a good start to the year. He's definitely a highly talented player and he's been a good player for the last few years so I think the coaches will look at that and decide what's best for the team, whether that's (shutting him down with) a midfield unit or one person solely focused (on him).

“(Jake Stringer's) a tough match-up because he probably starts on ball and floats forward, so we'll probably start with a midfielder and hand him over to a backman. With TJ (Tom Jonas) hopefully back in the team and Dylan Williams (playing a good) role, I think there will be a few options.”

Butters on the balance of Port Adelaide’s midfield
“I think it's been a good balance and everyone's stepping up when their time comes in the last few weeks. Jason (Horne-Francis) and (Travis) Boaky were terrific on the weekend and that's what's been good in the last month, there's been a good balance in there so no one is shouldering the load (alone) and everyone’s doing their bit when they need to. That's been a real positive for the midfield group.”

Butters on his own game
“Something I’ve been working on (is) defensive mindset in the midfield and applying pressure and making sure I’m getting after the ball. It's something I’ve been trying to get into my game more and it's been good to see some reward in the last few weeks and hopefully it's something I can continue improving in my game.”

Butters on Ken Hinkley coaching from the bench
“I’ve definitely enjoyed his passion, even just chatting in person you can feel the emotions a bit better and it's easier to understand and get the messaging across quicker. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed having him on the bench and I know a few of the boys have as well. I think he probably will be (on the bench for the season). It's been a good little formula so hopefully we can keep winning games and keep him on the bench.

“(I’m) very proud to support him and he’s supported all us boys at some stages throughout the year and throughout our careers. It's good to give a bit back and probably show that it's not all on the head coach at times, it's the players as well. We’re the ones out there performing.”

Butters on Charlie Dixon
“He was terrific on the weekend. He was a bit sore and banged up but his work and contest and what he was able to bring to the team was huge, especially in the big moments. I thought he stood up really well so hopefully he can bring the same sort of attitude and intensity for the boys this weekend.”

Butters on Orazio Fantasia’s quad injury
“He's definitely in a tough situation being back in rehab after spending so much time in there. I think he's probably a bit frustrated, but he remains so positive around the boys…he's good in that area with helping the youth develop and bringing energy and he's so positive around the club. I think he's handling it pretty well. Hopefully with a bit of good luck and that good spirit he can find his way to play footy again.”