Power pair ponder AFL dream

By Paul Pickering
BEST mates John Butcher and Koby Stevens have spent most of their waking hours together over the past few years, so it’s no surprise that they were singing from the same hymn sheet on AFL draft night.
The Gippsland Power pair – classmates at Gippsland Grammar – talked about dreams realised and the theme of ‘opportunity’ after hearing their names called at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Thursday night.
Butcher, a 197cm key forward from Maffra, was selected by Port Adelaide with pick eight, making him the first non-midfielder snapped up in 2009.
Stevens, a fearless inside midfielder and former AIS-AFL Academy captain, is heading further west to Subiaco after falling into the hands of a delighted West Coast at pick 23.
Both 18-year-olds have experienced their share of ups and downs this year.
Butcher battled injury niggles throughout the season and Stevens missed Gippsland’s TAC Cup finals campaign due to osteitis pubis.
But both were jubilant on Thursday night, donning their AFL club colours immediately and mixing with their new employers.
The towering Maffra teenager – known for his spring-heels and strong hands – was unfazed by the prospect of relocating interstate.
“You go anywhere you have to in order to achieve your dream, so I’m just grateful to Port Adelaide for giving me the opportunity,” he said.
Butcher had been touted as a potential top-three pick earlier in the year, but the injuries and consistent double-teaming that he encountered made life a bit tough.
Strong performances in the TAC Cup and with Vic Country in the AFL Under-18 Championships didn’t stop some pundits from suggesting that his progress had stalled, but Butcher wasn’t listening.
“I only listen to the people that matter, like Damian (Carroll, Power coach), Peter Francis (region manager), the Vic Country coaches and my family,” he said.
“You’ve got to shield yourself from the media a bit, because the talk really doesn’t matter.”
Stevens, who also starred in the national carnival, said he was fortunate to be able to share the draft experience with a close friend.
“I’ve been best mates with (John) for a few years now, so it’s unreal,” he said.
“I’ve always had the dream to play footy, so to get an opportunity – I’m that overwhelmed and excited.
“It’s going to be great. I just can’t wait to get over there.”
Both boys will stay with host families arranged by their clubs.
Meanwhile, Power team-mate Nathan Vardy will join the reigning premiers at Kardinia Park after being selected with Geelong’s pick 42.
The athletic big man, who played his junior footy for the Allies, may well prove to be a steal for the Cats, given that AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan rated him as the top ruck prospect in the 2009 crop.
Several other Gippslanders will be eagerly awaiting the December rookie draft, which will be their last opportunity to score a berth on an AFL list for 2010.
Defender Jack Weston and midfielders Michael Ross and Mitch Golby are among those who will be considered for rookie spots.