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FORMER Port Adelaide forward John Butcher has a burning desire to have a second crack at the AFL in 2018.

Butcher has signed with SANFL club Central District for next year after he was delisted by the Power at the end of last season.

AFL.com.au understands Butcher is keen to have a strong season in the state league so he can use it as a springboard back to the elite level.

Butcher is 25 years of age, but he only needs to look at the Power's rookie-listed forward Brett Eddy to know it's never too late.

Eddy, 27, forced his way on to an AFL list for the first time through a weight of goals for South Adelaide in the SANFL.

Butcher attracted interest from several VFL and SANFL clubs before putting pen to paper with the Bulldogs.

The 197cm, 90kg forward was a standout prospect with the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup and Victoria Country at the under-18 national championships in 2008 and 2009.

Port Adelaide selected Butcher with the No.8 overall selection of the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

Port's 2009 draft haul: Jasper Pittard, John Butcher, and Andrew Moore. Picture: AFL Photos


Butcher showed immediate promise when he booted six goals from as many disposals in his second career game against the Western Bulldogs in 2011.

But he struggled to retain a consistent spot in the Power's team, playing 31 games in his seven seasons at the club.
Butcher kicked five goals in his three games for the Power this year.

His best game of the season came against the Brisbane Lions in round 19, where he had 20 possessions, booted four goals and grabbed 11 marks.

Central District chief executive Kris Grant said the club was thrilled to secure Butcher.

"(Coach) Roy (Laird) was in desperate need of a key forward and we set our sights on John," Grant told News Corp.

"Roy has always been impressed by him - he's a good strong mark, this year he kicked more goals than points and away from the pressure of the AFL next year it might even help that.

"And having met him, he is a very impressive person."