Port’s John Butcher inconsistent but still kicks five goals against battling Roosters

PORT Adelaide forward John Butcher offered a snap shot of his feast-or-famine existence as the Magpies beat North Adelaide by 26 points at Prospect.

FIVE-goal Port Adelaide forward John Butcher offered a snap shot of his feast-or-famine existence as the Magpies quelled a spirited North Adelaide uprising by 26 points at Prospect on Saturday.

In-form Roosters midfielder Nick Amato refused to accept defeat with two straight final quarter goals on 18 minutes that reduced the margin to 12 points.

However, Ken McGregor’s men couldn’t bridge a 24-point, three-quarter time deficit. Port remained on top of the ladder with a 12.17 (89) to 9.9 (63) win.

The Magpies were expected to wipe the floor with understrength North as they have done with all rivals since round two this season.

However, coach Garry Hocking’s rotations were severely restricted by first-term knee injuries to premiership ruckman Brent Renouf and defender Campbell Heath.

“It was a gritty win but we didn’t get to play the way we like to play which was a bit of North Adelaide. It was hard fought considering we lost Renouf and Heath. We don’t know how long they will be out for,” said Magpies coach Gary Hocking.

Goals from Butcher and courageous Tom Logan — streaming forward from defence — put the game beyond North.

However, Butcher still has work to convince Power mentor Ken Hinkley his kicking can fly at AFL level.

Butcher enjoyed three bread and butter goals in the first half then two on the run in the final term that secured victory.

Unconventional Butcher skewed shots in the second quarter and final term across the face of goal, finishing out on the full. A final set shot with North mounting a late charge was lucky to earn a point.

If ever there was a case for “don’t think, just do” it is Butcher, who is a banker on the run from difficult angles but freezes when granted regulation shots.

“He will get shots on goal and he just has to go back and feel confident. He is good enough, just has to take the opportunities when they come,” said Hocking of Butcher.

Poor Port kicking -2.7- with multiple misses from Paul Stewart and Brendon Ah Chee kept North in the game during the third term. Michael Clinch and Marlon Motlop were brilliant mopping up across the last line but were let down by teammates in sloppy rebound 50 exits that continually broke down.

Lost AFL talent Motlop — with 10 rebound 50s and 28 disposals — continues to polish his recruit of the season status for North.

“We came to win so we are not happy, they were two rotations down but the effort was a lot better than last week against the Eagles,” said McGregor, who coached Port last season.

Michael Virgin enjoyed a sterling Roosters debut with seven rebound 50s.