Port Adelaide superstar Robbie Gray’s role in the drafting of Zak Butters revealed

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has revealed his superstar Robbie Gray played a big role in the drafting of Victorian excitement machine Zak Butters.

Number 12 draft pick Zak Butters of the Power. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

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PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has revealed his superstar Robbie Gray played a big role in the drafting of Victorian excitement machine Zak Butters.

“Robbie was onto us all the time about getting Zak,’’ Hinkley said after the Power selected him at No. 12 from TAC Cup side Western Jets.

“He’s watched Zak pretty closely and kept telling us how good he is and now he’ll get to play with him, which will be great to watch.’’

Hinkley said four-times All-Australian Gray loved Butters’ creativity and X-factor.

The 18-year-old Butters is a midfielder/forward like Gray who had one of the highest impacts per disposal of any TAC Cup onballer this year.

Port Adelaide's pick number 12 Zak Butters with Gavin Wanganeen. Picture: Getty Images)

He averaged a modest 20 disposals but was one of just two midfielders to rate elite for both score involvements and intercept possessions.

Butters said he didn’t know he had an admirer in Gray until after he was drafted and Hinkley told him the news.

“Ken told me Robbie Gray is a massive fan of mine and that is one of the reasons Port got me on board,’’ he told The Advertiser.

“He said Robbie follows the draft and the young kids pretty closely and really had a passion for me and the way I played, which was pretty unreal to hear because I’ve been a bit of fan-boy of Robbie growing up.

“He plays that half-forward type of role and is someone I look up to, so I look forward to learning from him.

“We play similar positions and I think we have some similar traits and I can’t think of any better person in the league to have as a mentor.

Vic Metro’s Zak Butters during the National Under-18 Championships. Picture: Michael Klein

“He’s one of the best half-forwards in the league, works hard and has great footy IQ.

“It will be pretty surreal to start training with him and hopefully line up alongside him in a game one day.’’

Butters, a Western Bulldogs fan, said he was very happy to be drafted by the Power, believing its playing list is in good shape to play finals and contend for a flag.

“It’s a really good club and is in a good position with a lot of great talent,’’ he said.

“If you look at their list there is a lot boys from Melbourne and Victoria and I can’t wait to one day play in the derby (Showdown) against Adelaide.

Media duties for our boy Zak Butters! #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/Odto5AjmCC

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) November 22, 2018

“I watch those games on television and they look pretty special.’’

Butters, 181cm and 71kg, is fast and creative and will most likely start as a small forward before progressing into the midfield.

“I bring speed, play with a lot of energy, always bring a positive attitude and think my disposal by foot and hand is clean,’’ hje said.

“And I like to play fast and exciting footy.’’

Butters did not test at the AFL Draft Combine because of a shoulder injury but he should be fit for the start of pre-season training.

Port’s other first round pick from Victoria, dashing half-back/midfielder Xavier Duursma, said he also was pleased to be joining a talented young list.

“It’s amazing to get picked up by Port,’’ said the former Gippsland Power utility.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is to play AFL and to get this opportunity is amazing.’’

Duursma’s uncle Jamie played AFL for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and has “carried’’ his nephew through to his AFL journey.

The 18-year-old’s style has been compared to Carlton playmaker Sam Docherty but Duursma models his game on Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin.

“I think I’ve got a good rangy area of what I can bring as far as intensity at the ball and defensive pressure is concerned but I’m also a bit like a young Trent Cotchin in that I can run and carry but also put my head in the hole,’’ he said.