PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley’s vow to keep backing players who strive to improve is keeping key forward John Butcher at Alberton for another season.

And the Power is taking up the challenge to find mentors and goalkicking specialists, such as Australian Football Hall of Famer Matthew Lloyd, to help Butcher correct his troubled goalkicking routine that limits his AFL prospects.

Butcher, 24, will take a significant pay cut to remain on the primary list rather than be a rookie as many expected.

Power football chief Chris Davies told The Advertiser his club was encouraged by Butcher’s form in the last four round of the 2015 home-and-away season.

“Towards the end of the year, John showed the football he is capable of,” Davies said. “On that basis, he is re-signed to a one-year extension.”

media_camera Port Adelaide key forward John Butcher raises his arms after kicking a goal this season. He will remain at Alberton next season. Picture: Sarah Reed

A first-round draft pick (No. 8) in 2009, Butcher has played 28 AFL games since his national league debut in 2011.

The Victorian recruit holds popularity among the Port Adelaide fan base and, most importantly, among his Power team-mates who dubbed Butcher as “The Future” after he opened his AFL career with 11 goals in his first three games and became a hot target in the league’s trade market.

In Butcher’s case, the challenge is with his uncertain goalkicking. Remarkably, Butcher’s record in AFL football is 36.17 - a 67.9 per accuracy rate for kicks that end in scores.

Butcher will stay on a Port Adelaide senior list loaded with go-to forwards - Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff and Patrick Ryder - and aiming to add another with a trade for Gold Coast key forward Charlie Dixon.

The Power will enter trade talks at Etihad Stadium on Monday morning offering its first-round draft pick, No. 10, to the Suns. But Gold Coast may seek more.

“We understand it’s going to take a first-round pick and that’s where we’re at right now,” Davies told AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday.

“Both clubs need to feel like they’re getting something out of the deal. We need to make sure Gold Coast feel like they’re getting a reasonable return.

“Our focus is making sure Charlie Dixon gets to our club.”