Western Jets midfielder Zak Butters has no shortage of self-belief. And it’s justified, the top prospect expected to go early in the draft. Photo: AFL MEDIA
With the AFL draft now just over a day away, Footyology presents the second of a two-part series of interviews with a pair of Western Jets hopefuls who have been lauded throughout 2018 as likely early selections, to take a closer look at the people behind the statistics, injuries and metrics.
For classy attacking midfielder Zak Butters, confidence is key, and despite missing the second half of his draft season due to a shoulder injury sustained for Vic Metro in the national carnival in July, there’s no shortage of belief for the possible first-round pick, known to drift up the ground across half forward:
You were lauded as a standout at the Western Jets even before the year kicked off, does your reputation from junior coaches position you well to adjust at senior level?
I think it would. I’ve had high expectations of myself while I’ve been playing Western Jets footy for the last two years and with Vic Metro as well, and that should hopefully follow through on transition to the senior game.
You missed the Combine with injury after the carnival, what effect has that had on your confidence going into next week?
I’ve been smashing out my rehab ever since I got the op done, all the doctors advised me to get the surgery done after the championships.
I’m 16 weeks post-op now so I’m back to being able to play footy, obviously I still need to build some strength and size back into my shoulder as it’s a bit smaller than the other but I’m confident of being ready for day one of pre-season.
Do you feel your cause was secured in recruiters’ eyes by your performances prior to injury? (20 touches, four clearances per game through the TAC Cup)
Going into the season I knew I wasn’t going to be able to play all of it.
I always planned to get the operation after my time with Metro, so going into the first half of the season, I was intent on putting my best performances on the board early and showing what I was made of before the carnival.
What’s your typical pre-game routine? Any superstitions?
I always wear blue jocks as the Jets are blue and Metro is blue, so I feel I have to fit in with the team and the gear. A bit odd, I know…
What club do you support and what would it mean to go there?
I’ve grown up supporting the Bulldogs, I’ve been a member since I was two or three years old.
I went to the 2016 grand final, I got to be there to witness that moment live, and I just love the club, I love all the players there as well. It’d be that extra bit special to be there and be part of it all for myself.
How supportive has your family/friend group been of chasing your dream?
My parents have been pretty big through my journey, especially my mum. Her job fits around me so she can get me to games and stuff like that, her job can work around my football.
Did you notice being listed in the “Tomorrow’s Heroes” series on the AFL website? How does that recognition feel?
It’s obviously a pretty big honour to be recognised by Cal (draft guru Callum Twomey) as one of the better players in the draft this year.
He’s a good bloke as well, I’ve met him a few times and it certainly gives you a bit of confidence when he speaks so well of you.
How were family, school and football commitments managed in the draft year?
I was pretty relaxed and chilled throughout the year. I was focused on footy and school, those were my two big priorities and if I had time otherwise to see friends and hang out, that was pretty cool as well, but I took on footy and school as my main points and tried to fit everything else around them.
You were identified as similar to a Shane Edwards type, what do you feel is your strongest on-field attribute?
I’d probably just feel it’s my impact through disposal. Unlike a lot of other players in the draft, I don’t need to have 30 touches every week to have an impact in a game, I can have 15 or 20 instead and make sure they all count.
You’ve got to know when not to listen to certain stuff, and to stay true to yourself as well.
Draft prediction: Pick 12 (Geelong)
