AFL: Port Adelaide lose Zak Butters for up to six weeks

Port Adelaide will be missing Zak Butters for the start of the 2025 AFL Premiership season, with the star midfielder undergoing minor surgery on his knee this week.

The 24-year-old pulled up sore after copping a knock during the Power’s simulation match against Adelaide last Friday.

The club has now sent Butters for an arthroscopy in order to assess the extent of the injury, meaning he will be out of action for up to six weeks.

“He’ll get on with business and be attacking his rehab as best as anyone would or could,” Power assistant coach Chad Cornes told the press on Friday.

“He was a little down when he heard the news. But he’s a pretty positive guy who wants to get the best out of himself.

“He had the operation yesterday and it went well. He will do everything right in the rehab and might even surprise us and get back a little earlier.”

The news is a huge blow for Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley as he pushes for a maiden premiership in what will be his final season at the helm.

It is also disappointing for punters who took Butters at $21 odds with Marantelli Bet to win the 2025 Brownlow Medal, as he will be giving the rest of the AFL a significant head-start in the vote count.

Port Adelaide’s premiership price has drifted as well, with top bookmakers pushing them out from $18 to $21.

In the meantime, the Power must turn their focus to Saturday’s preseason clash with St Kilda at Moorabbin Reserve.

AFL betting sites have the visitors pegged as slight favourites at $1.80, with the Saints paying $2 to win at their spiritual home.

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