Port Adelaide vice-captain Zak Butters to miss games after knee surgery

Port Adelaide vice-captain Zak Butters will miss at least six weeks of games after undergoing knee surgery. The two-time All-Australian player underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The club stated that the surgery was intended to "remove loose bodies found within the knee."

The club released a statement on Friday saying, "The injury is most likely the result of a heavy knock to the knee, which has also resulted in some bone bruising." The club expects Butters, who has won the club's best player award for two consecutive years, to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

The highly energetic midfielder reported soreness after a practice match against Adelaide last Friday, following a few weeks of training during which his knee had taken some knocks. Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes said he wouldn't be surprised if Butters returned faster than expected.

Cornes told reporters, "He will keep working hard and do everything he can to recover. He was a bit down when he heard the news. But he's a very positive person and wants to reach his full potential. He had surgery yesterday, and it went well. He will do everything right during his recovery and might even surprise us with an early return."

Port Adelaide's new season will begin on March 15 against Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).