In a game where Perth carried too much firepower for Peel, Butler was a stand-out performer where his rebound off half-back was a major asset for the Demons who continue to push towards finals calculations.
Butler had 31 possessions - 15 kicks and 16 handpasses - as he brought teammates into the game with a near flawless display.
Fellow Eagles, Simon Tunbridge and Fraser McInnes, also played well in the Perth victory, but Butler was virtually a unanimous nomination as best afield.
Tunbridge had 11 disposals at half-forward, while McInnes was also under notice inside the attacking arc with 11 possessions, five marks and a goal.
Another finals contender, East Perth, was aided by the output of West Coast players with ruckman Scott Lycett and defender Blayne Wilson shining against Swan Districts.
Wilson was solid in defence, despite limited game time because he was an emergency for the AFL match the following day, and had 18 possessions and five marks, but more importantly shut down dangerous Swans forward Dayle Garlett when shifted onto him in the third quarter.
Lycett was prominent both in the ruck and forward, but will this week front the WAFL tribunal on a striking charge.
Swan Districts defender Jamie Bennell had the unusual distinction of being the only Eagle in the WAFL to taste defeat, but was one of Swans’ better contributors, working hard from the back half and offering important rebound.
Star midfielder Daniel Kerr returned to the WAFL on the weekend having missed a couple of games through injury and his class shone through with 31 touches, five marks and three tackles in another best on ground exhibition.
He will be available for selection after a rough conduct charge was withdrawn.
Brad Dick was lively for the Sharks as well when they dispatched Subiaco, kicking two goals from his 11 possessions.
Ashton Hams, who has been in sizzling form for South Fremantle, continued his good touch as he steered the Bulldogs to an upset win over second-placed West Perth. Hams had 37 touches and clamped on seven tackles in a terrific effort – the only blemish on his game being four missed opportunities in front of goal.
