The prestigious John Cahill Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player for Port Adelaide in the AFL, was claimed by Zak Butters for the second time during a ceremony held on Friday night. This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions throughout the season.
Votes for the John Cahill Medal are determined after each match by a three-member panel. This panel includes Senior Coach Ken Hinkley, the relevant line coach for each player, and General Manager of Football Chris Davies. Players receive performance ratings ranging from 0 to 5 for each game, with a total potential of 15 votes per match.
As the season progressed, various players showcased their skills, leading to an evolving leaderboard. For instance, after the first round against West Coast, several standout performances were noted, with players like Rozee and Zerk-Thatcher earning top votes. This pattern continued through subsequent rounds, with Butters consistently securing high rankings.
By Round 12, Butters had firmly established himself at the top of the leaderboard with 82 votes, followed closely by Horne-Francis and Houston. As the rounds unfolded, the competition remained fierce, with various players making significant contributions and changing the dynamics of the leaderboard with each match.
The climax of the season occurred in the finals, where Butters ultimately secured the top spot with 159 votes, followed by Horne-Francis and Aliir. This season’s voting highlights not only the individual talents of these players but also the collective strength and performance of the Port Adelaide team throughout a challenging year.