ZAK BUTTERS started his crucial draft season knowing a decent chunk of it would be spent recovering from shoulder surgery.

But his determination and a lot of planning should pay off on Thursday night when the midfielder/forward is recruited as a first-round selection.

The 18-year-old was told in the pre-season that his left shoulder would need an operation.

He nearly made it through the under-18 national championships before the joint gave out.

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"Before the year even started, that was probably going to be the end result," Butters said of the operation.

"At first, you're pretty disappointed and shattered, knowing you're probably going to play half a season in probably the biggest year of your life.

"But in the end, after I got past that disappointment, I just looked to make the most out of what I could get out of it and put some strong performances on the board early."

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Earlier this month, Butters and several other prospects who missed the NAB AFL Draft Combine because of injury took part in fitness testing.

Butters had a decent 2km time trial to prove he is ready.

"I can do full contact and full training, so I will be ready to go, day one," he said.

"It's good to show that you're in good shape and you're back fit."

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Butters is rated a strong chance to be taken in the first round.

"It is pretty strange and I'm pretty open-minded as well to what the future holds – I'm pretty keen to get started," he said.