Ken Hinkley dares Hawthorn players to target Zak Butters in Friday’s semi-final

The sore ribs of a Port star could be a target in Friday’s semi-final clash with Hawthorn and that’s fine with his coach.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has dared Hawthorn to “go for it” against a sore Zak Butters as he brushed off criticism of the dual All-Australian midfielder.

Hinkley said the Port Adelaide vice-captain “won’t take a step backwards” in Friday night’s semi-final after he was subbed out of the Power’s horror qualifying loss at halftime after copping a heavy knock to the ribs.

Cleared of any significant internal damage after the game, Butters drew criticism from some quarters for not playing on with the game in the balance, but Hinkley said that commentary had been unwarranted.

“I say, ‘go for it’. Unlike some people, Zak’s a tough player. He won’t take a step backwards,” he said when asked if he expected rough treatment from the Hawks.

“(The critical comments) are not things I need to worry about. All I need to know is that Zak is an incredibly tough player, voted the most courageous player in the competition in the last two years by his peers … it’s a pretty good recommendation.”

Zak Butters was subbed out of the qualifying final with rib issues. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell also raised Butters’ back-to-back AFLPA most courageous player gongs when asked if his sore ribs would be targeted in the final.

“We won’t mention that. I think there’s actually rules around specific injuries and trying to go after them,” Mitchell said on Wednesday.

“We like to think that we try to play a pretty physical brand of game … he’s been the most courageous player in the competition the last two years as voted by his peers, so I don’t think he’s the type of person you’re going to be able to intimidate.

“If he says he’s right to play, I’m sure he’ll be right.”

Butters ran riot for 17 disposals and five clearances in the final term after a subdued start when the Power overcame a 41-point deficit against Hawthorn in round 10.

Mitchell said the Hawks had a plan for the Power star but were also conscious of Jason Horne-Francis and Connor Rozee after the pair had quiet nights against Geelong.

“Their whole midfield mix was perhaps not as on song last week, but before that they went to Perth and won a game that didn’t mean as much to them as it did to Fremantle – and Fremantle, I rate them really highly.

“Two weeks ago, they’re winning a game over there ... the public narrative is underselling Port Adelaide significantly, and obviously Butters is a significant part of that.”