Vice-captain Zak Butters has claimed his second consecutive John Cahill Medal, as the Best and Fairest Port Adelaide AFL player in 2024.
Port Adelaide’s AFL and SANFL best and fairest event was held on Friday night at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with more than 800 players, officials, club partners and members in attendance.
Butters polled 159 total votes, finishing seven votes ahead of rising star Jason Horne-Francis (152 votes) and 30 ahead of key defender Aliir Aliir (129 votes) in third place.
It’s been a successful individual season for Butters, with the 24-year-old receiving his second All-Australian blazer and finishing third in the AFL’s prestigious Brownlow Medal count.
Playing 26 games in 2024, Butters averaged 27 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 4.7 marks and four tackles.
Known as a courageous, hard-running, game-changer, Butters led with his actions throughout his first official season in a leadership role.
“I love footy, and my teammates and the football club as well,” Butters said in his acceptance speech.
“I'm so humbled to win this award and be up here tonight.
“I'd like to thank a few people that definitely saved me throughout the year.
“My teammates, I love playing with you, I love rocking up to training. Congrats to Jason and Aliir as well (on placing second and third).
“To my coaches, thanks to Josh Carr…he's always right! Backing me in and giving me a lot of confidence. I really respect him.
“Kenny, a lot of love for the great man. He's helped me out so much since I got to the club. When I'm struggling a bit, just going to his house for a chat or playing some pool…I just love trying to help you win games of footy and I appreciate you leading the football club."
Butters finished by thanking his family and friends, in particular mum Renee and dad Wayne, as well as his mates back home in Bacchus Marsh.
Unsurprisingly, Willem Drew took home his second Fos Williams Medal for best team man, which is a player-voted accolade.
The hard-working midfielder often flies under the radar, but consistently performs his role, allowing his teammates to shine.
Along with earning second place in the John Cahill Medal voting, Horne-Francis claimed the Gavin Wanganeen Medal, awarded to the best player under 21.
Young winger Jase Burgoyne was recognised with the Coaches’ Award for the most improved player in 2024.
The John McCarthy Medal for work in the community went to Dante Visentinti for his work facilitating the club’s Power to End Violence Against Women program, which educates young men about gender equality and respectful relationships.
Seasoned defender Tom Clurey was named the club’s SANFL Best and Fairest, taking home the A.R. McLean Medal earlier in the evening.
John Cahill Medal leader board
1. Zak Butters - 159
2. Jason Horne-Francis - 152
3. Aliir Aliir - 129
4. Connor Rozee - 118
5. Dan Houston - 117
6. Willem Drew - 115
=7. Darcy Byrne-Jones - 112
=7. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher - 112
9. Miles Bergman - 103
10. Ollie Wines - 93
AFL award winners
John Cahill Medal (Best and Fairest)
Zak Butters
John Cahill Medal runner-up
Jason Horne-Francis
Bruce Weber Memorial Award (second runner-up)
Aliir Aliir
Fos Williams Medal (best team man)
Willem Drew
Gavin Wanganeen Award (best player under 21)
Jason Horne-Francis
Coaches’ Award (most improved)
Jase Burgoyne
John McCarthy Award (for community service)
Dante Visentini
