The elevation of Zak Butters to the very top echelon of players in the AFL is complete, with Port Adelaide’s young superstar capping off a superb season to be awarded the 2023 AFL Coaches Association AFL Champion Player of the Year.
Butters, 22, polled coaches votes in 16 of the 23 matches this season to finish with 109 votes, earning maximum coaches votes in seven rounds.
The Power star beat Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (102 votes) and an injured Nick Daicos (99 votes) to take home the coveted award.
FULL VOTES & LEADERBOARD:
2023 AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION CHAMPION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Butters’ silky skills and ability to impact games on a consistent basis were on show all season as he led the Port midfield through a 13-game winning streak. The courageous midfielder averaged career-best numbers for disposals (27.5 per game), marks (five) and clearances (4.6), and ranks elite for score assists and score involvements this season.
While he has played every game so far in 2023, Butters’ most dominant effort came in a 41-touch game against Melbourne in Round 10 when he also racked up ten clearances and added two goals.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley spoke glowingly of Zak as a person and a footballer and was thrilled to see him take out the Award.
"Zak is an exceptional person and the ultimate professional, and we are seeing the rewards this season of all the work he puts in," said Hinkley.
"Considering his size, he is fearless with the way he attacks the ball, and he’s got this amazing ability to make special things happen for our team and to influence a game like not many others can.
"I believe that being voted by the coaches as the league’s Champion Player is one of the highest honours a player can receive, and I could not be prouder that Zak has been recognised with this award."
AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Butters on taking out the Award.
“Zak has had an exceptional season to date, the courage he shows and his ability to leave it all out on the field when his team needs him is amazing to watch,” said Nicholson.
“He should be honoured to be recognised by the coaches as the 2023 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player, we believe this to be the most prestigious of Awards in the AFL, the 18 coaching groups have a unique view on our game and allocate their votes with care and consideration. Congratulations Zak.”
The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.
Previous winners list: www.aflcoaches.com.au/awards/the-aflca-champion-player-of-the-year-award
