ZAK BUTTERS

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE

Adelaide Oval, May 19 u Rising Port Adelaide star Zak Butters is Champion Data’s new top-rated player in the AFL 10 weeks into the 2023 season and particularly on the back of his round 10 heroics.

In a thrilling a four-point win over Melbourne, Butters put up game-highs in disposals (41), contested possessions (18), clearances (10) and score involvements (12), and was a tough, dominant midfielder in wet conditions, despite only weighing in at 77kg.

The classy 22-year-old was one of just four players to kick two goals on the night and also finished with eight intercept possessions.

It was a game where Butters could do no wrong, even using the ball at 78 per cent, considerably better than the next midfielder on the ground despite almost half of his possessions being won in the contest.

As the Demons kicked seven third-term goals, Butters was the only Port player able to turn the game around, gathering 10 disposals, three clearances and booting two goals to keep his side in with a chance.

In the final term, no one won more contested footy as the Power overcame a late two-goal deficit.

With Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis by his side, the future is looking promising at Alberton.

SEB MOTTRAM

Which current AFL coach has coached in the most AFL matches?

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