On the eve of speedy, skilful small forward Dan Butler’s senior league debut with Richmond in the 2017 season-opener against Carlton at the MCG, we’ve compiled a list of 10 football-related things you may, or may not, know about him.

 

  1. He was selected by Richmond with its fourth pick (No. 67 overall) in the 2014 AFL National Draft.
  2. He lived in Lake Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat, and played TAC Cup football for North Ballarat Rebels.
  3. He represented Vic Country at the 2014 under-18 national championships.
  4. He was a key member of three consecutive Herald Sun Shield series wins (2012-14) with his school, St Patrick’s, Ballarat.
  5. He had 17 tackles in one TAC Cup match against Oakleigh Chargers during the 2014 season.
  6. He also played one game at senior VFL level with North Ballarat Roosters late in the 2014 season, as an 18-year-old.
  7. He played his first game for Richmond in a NAB Challenge clash against the Western Bulldogs in early 2015 and his first opponent was highly-respected, Dogs’ captain Rob Murphy.
  8. He suffered a severe knee injury that resulted in him being sidelined for most of that 2015 season.
  9. He was named as an emergency for the senior Richmond side once last season – the thrilling Round 8 after-the-final siren win against Sydney at the MCG.
  10. He shares a house with Tiger teammate Jason Castagna.