EXCITING young forward John Butcher and promising ruckman Matthew Lobbe have committed to Port Adelaide’s future by signing contract extensions to stay at Alberton.
This completes a successful two week period of re-signings for the Power after Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Andrew Moore and Justin Westhoff also demonstrated their faith in the direction the Club is heading.
Butcher has played four games since arriving at Alberton as a first round selection (No. 8 overall) at the 2009 AFL Draft.
The 20 year-old made his debut for the Power against Hawthorn at the MCG in Round 21 this season, and has showed promise as a key forward kicking 11 goals, including six in just his second game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 22 at AAMI Stadium.
Port Adelaide senior coach Matthew Primus says the Club is delighted to have secured the signature of Butcher and sees him as being a great long-term prospect.
“We knew last year was about getting his body right and this year it’s all been about developing his game,” Primus said.
“Butch (John Butcher) has had a consistent season with the Magpies in the SANFL and has worked hard to earn his opportunity at AFL level.
“His first three games in the AFL were very good and even on the weekend against Melbourne, although he didn’t get the reward on the scoreboard, his effort and pressure in the forward line was very pleasing.
“There’s no doubt Butch has a lot of upside and we’re looking forward to continuing his development by getting another solid pre-season into him.”
Butcher, who already has a cult following amongst Power fans, says the Club has been outstanding in helping his development and he was in no doubt he would stay at Alberton.
“The Club was good enough to give me the opportunity in the first place and then got me through a tough first year,” Butcher said, reflecting on the injury that sidelined him throughout 2010.
“We’ve got great things ahead at Port Adelaide with a tight playing group and we all want to be in it together as we take the Club back to where we know it should be.
“Playing with the Magpies has given me a real understanding of what the Port Adelaide Football Club is about and I love it and everything it stands for.”
Lobbe has played 13 games, including the last 10 of season 2011, since being recruited as a first round selection (No. 16 overall) at the 2007 AFL Draft.
The 22 year-old, who stands 200cm tall, made his debut for the Power in the Club’s Round 5 victory against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium in 2010.
Primus says he’s been buoyed by Lobbe’s development in the second half of the season and is looking forward to more improvement next year.
“We’re very confident Matt will turn into a good long-term prospect for us,” said Primus.
“He’s shown what he is capable of at this level over the last ten weeks and the really pleasing aspect for us is that he improved every week and developed very well coming up against quality ruckman like Jamar (Mark Jamar), Hille (David Hille) and Leuenberger (Matthew Leuenberger) in recent weeks.”
Primus says Lobbe has the character and competitive nature to succeed at AFL level.
“Matt is a driven player and is naturally a very competitive person, so by his very nature he will give himself every opportunity to be a good AFL player and we’re looking forward to supporting him in that journey,” said Primus.
Lobbe says he’s thrilled to continue on at Port Adelaide and is looking forward to repaying the faith the Club has shown in him.
“I want to be a big part of this team as we work really hard to get back up the ladder,” Lobbe said.
“I’m looking forward to having an influence alongside guys like Jacko (Jackson Trengove), Boaky (Travis Boak) and the others as we strive to improve as a young group.
“The Club has given me a great opportunity this year. I’ve learnt a lot from Matty and Broges and I feel like I’m in an environment where I can keep learning and developing.”
