Butcher booted three goals in the first half last for the SANFL Magpies last weekend in a performance coach Ken Hinkley rated the best he had seen from the 22-year-old in the state league.
The forward hasn't played for the Power since kicking two goals against Greater Western Sydney in round 12, his third match for the season.
While disappointed that Butcher didn't perform for the entire game, Hinkley said his marking and attack on the ball in the opening half was pleasing to see.
"He was really good, his first half was really impressive - in fact, that was the best I've seen him play in SANFL footy.
"He ran out there and marked the ball aggressively and contested, kicked three goals, it would have been nice for him to continue that for the full game."
Hinkley also floated such names as Matt Thomas, Lewis Stevenson and Paul Stewart as possible replacements for the clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
While Tom Logan didn't train heavily on Thursday, Hinkley said he expected the defender to line up despite his injured shin.
The Power are the League's fastest finishers this year, dominating 11 of their 13 final terms.
Essendon isn't far behind, ranked third for last quarters having won nine.
But before his club could think about finishing strongly, Hinkley said it would have to start well.
"If we don't play hard and contested football early in the first two minutes of the game, it won't matter in the last quarter," he said.
"We've just got to make sure that we're in the game for the whole way.
"We know that Essendon [is] a great club this year, they're going to push us every minute of the game."
Having defeated the last two AFL premiers in consecutive weeks, Hinkley acknowledged his side's belief was building.
While he wouldn't be drawn into talking about finals, he said it was no surprise his players felt like they were on the rise.
"That's probably human nature that you would feel like you're getting somewhere when you've been able to beat some quality teams.
"Luckily for us we get another quality one to come up against this week and we get another chance to test it."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
