Butcher back for clash with Swans
John Butcher will return to Power ranks this Saturday against the Swans, following a long lay-off due to injury.
Butcher burst onto the AFL scene in late 2011 with 11 goals from three games but has since struggled with injury.
His 2012 season was hindered by hip issues and the 21-year-old underwent surgery to correct the problem last August.
Coach Ken Hinkley has described the 197cm forward as a vital component of the Power's future success.
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Hinkley said Butcher would be sparingly used against the Swans but that it was an important audition for the club's round one clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
"We thought the important thing for him was to get a little bit of a taste (of football) and give himself a chance to be available for round one. This is his only opportunity to play against AFL standard," Hinkley said on Friday morning.
"He's really excited, obviously he's had a long lay off and he's been back training and playing footy for a little while, so now it's a matter of stepping him up to the next level and what a great opportunity against the Swans."
Butcher played in a SANFL internal trial match last weekend for the Port Adelaide Magpies and while he only kicked one goal, claimed his body had recovered well.
"I felt really good playing the internal game for the Magpies and pulled up fine afterwards," he told portadelaide.com.au.
"My body felt good especially running, turning and jumping."
The Power have also named Angus Monfries and ruckman Brent Renouf in its squad to face the Swans.
Should Jarrad Redden and Renouf play, it will be the first time Hinkley has the opportunity to watch the club's three ruckman playing together.
Redden has a corked hip, while Renouf will need to show he has recovered fully from a pre-season knee injury.
The Power were impressive in their narrow six-point win over West Coast last weekend in Alice Springs, leading the premiership fancies in tackles and inside 50s while also managing to match the Eagles in clearances.
Consistency has eluded the Power over the past few seasons but Hinkley said he had put the hard word on his group to ensure it backed up its effort last week with a strong showing on Saturday.
"It's the number one thing we've talked about this week is to try and make sure we are consistent in our effort," he said.
"Last week we showed we can compete against a good AFL side, this week we get another opportunity against the premiers to show that we can actually back that up."
Key forwards Jay Schulz and Paul Stewart will both be rested for the trial, although both will be available for round one.
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Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry