Butler, who has played 26 games since the 2006 grand final for a total of 66, suffered a fractured sinus against Port Adelaide in round two and a season-ending broken ankle in his third game back against Geelong in round 11.
After three years of persistent groin struggles and soft-tissue problems, the impact injuries this year were a bitter pill for Butler to swallow.
But his impressive form at half-back in five games this season, and a strong finish to 2009, have convinced the Eagles that he is part of their future.
“We’re in talks at the moment and if we can get something done I’ll be very happy,” Butler told afl.com.au this week.
“They’ve been amazing the way they’ve stuck by me and when I’ve been fit they’ve played me.
“This is my seventh year now and I’ve played less than 70 games, less than 10 games a year. No player hopes to do that over a seven-year career.
“The biggest disappointment is not being able to repay the faith the club has put in me. Sometimes you can’t help the injuries, but other times you think, ‘Could I have done more?’”
Butler missed the entire 2007 season with groin injuries and managed just five matches in 2008 as his troubles continued.
The South Australian said his stint on the sidelines this year had been made harder knowing that his opportunities at the top level were lessening, but he has been able to approach his rehab this time around with a clearer mind.
“A couple of years ago when I was having a lot of soft tissue injuries and having my groin [problems], it always seemed to be a month away where I felt like I could play and then I’d re-do it or it would get drawn out somehow,” he said.
“There were a lot of repeat disappointments in those years and it was a lot tougher on the mind.
“This time around, with a broken ankle, they said, ‘That’s the rest of your year out’. So I’m taking a step back, enjoying watching the boys play and knowing that there’s no real pressure on me.”
Butler said he would be preparing himself as if he was available to play at the end of the year, but the focus of his rehab will turn to strength work ahead of endurance.
It’s an approach he hopes will banish the soft-tissue and groin problems of the past.
“Hopefully I can strengthen up the muscles that I haven’t been able to over the last couple of years,” he said.
“Then when pre-season comes around I can really concentrate on footy, rather than the injury prevention side of things - whereas I’ve always had to do both.”
Butler, one of the Eagles’ best ball users, was moved from the midfield to half-back last year and said he hoped to resume the important role next season.
“It was a really attacking role and I was really enjoying my time down there,” he said.
“That was probably the best part about this year, I felt like I was really helping the team, whereas sometimes you wonder, ‘Am I just another number?’
“Early on in your career you’re doing that, so wherever I can make an impact I’ll be happy. I don’t have an aim to get back in the midfield.”
