WITH an ASADA cloud of uncertainty lingering over Port Adelaide ruckman/forward Patrick Ryder, John Butcher is kicking himself into consideration for senior selection.
Butcher was the side's key target in its 24-point loss to Adelaide on Saturday, nailing five goals from six shots.
In the club's internal match simulation in February he kicked four goals, drawing the praise of coach Ken Hinkley.
Saturday's performance suggested he could step into the side if former Bomber Ryder is forced to sit out the opening rounds of the season.
Butcher's form has been well timed.
"It's handy, it's definitely handy … John can play, I think there's no doubt about that," Hinkley said.
"We all have little ups and downs … coaches, players, fans – we all have our good and our bad days.
"John's got to be able to handle the not-so-good days as well as he handles the good days.
"[Saturday] was really positive for him, there's lots of things still to happen but John's pre-season – I said right from the start – he's now done 90 per cent of the pre-season.
"He now looks a player who's ready to compete."
Butcher also looks to be playing with confidence.
While his one behind on Saturday was a miserable kick, he took the rest of his set shots with conviction.
This is from a man whose inability to control his kicks has crowds grow restless whenever he's lining up for a set shot.
It's held him to ransom; a mental demon that has restricted the 197cm forward whose speed, forward pressure and ability to hold onto contested marks is elite to just 23 games.
His teammates are also beginning to notice the difference.
After Saturday's loss Jared Polec told AFL.com.au Butcher no longer required help relaxing before lining up for a shot at goal.
"He's a lot more relaxed going back with his shot – doesn't look around any more, just goes straight back," Polec said.
"He's been working on it really hard and it's coming through for him.
"We don't have to [help him] any more, he's getting pretty focused himself.
"He's just got to keep the same routine, and I think he's going into round one pretty confident with his kicking."
Polec was another who impressed at Football Park, collecting 20 possessions and six inside 50s.
The 22-year-old flourished last year, his first season at Alberton, and played 24 games to take his total to 40 after departing the Brisbane Lions.
He's fitter again heading into 2015 and with progress made on the defensive side of his game, Polec is confident he'll take his game to new heights.
"I've improved in my fitness and my strength, especially the lower body side – I think it's been a good pre-season so far," he said.
"I feel better, free flowing with the running. I've still got work to do on it, but it's getting better.
"I feel like I've still got a lot of improvement to go, but I'm getting better with each game."
