Richmond's Dan Butler remains hopeful of an AFL call up ahead of finalsBen Hopkins
Ballarat Courier
14 Aug 2019After spending much of the 2019 AFL season out of the Richmond Tigers team, Ballarat born-and-bred Dan Butler says he is remaining positive his time will come ahead of finals.
Butler has only appeared in seven of Richmond's 21 outings this AFL season, kicking five goals.
Speaking exclusively to The Courier, Butler, 23, says while it's not been the best year in terms of playing senior games, his confidence remains high two weeks out from finals.
"Obviously it hasn't been the ideal year in terms of playing in the VFL," he said.
"I think the main thing for me has just been trying to remain positive... we've got such a good group of guys at the club so they make that pretty easy."
The small forward has spent 14 games playing with Richmond's VFL side, which sits on top of the competition ladder.
Butler says his time playing in the VFL has helped him hone a different set of skills that will help him perform at him peak if selected to return to the AFL.
"It's just been about playing different roles, mainly through the midfield, so when I come back into the AFL I've got something new up my sleeve.
"You never know what's going to happen... you just need to be ready so that if you're called upon you can do what is needed.
"It's been great to buy into the VFL program, we've got a great coach in Craig McRea and he's created a great environment within the group."
The 2017 premiership player is only contracted with the Tigers until the end of the 2019 season. He says he believes going forward he has proved he has the talent to be an AFL player.
"I think I struggled at AFL level this year but I definitely think I'm an AFL player and while I've had stints in the VFL this year in the future I'll look to consolidate my spot."
https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6326864/ballarats-tiger-hopeful-of-senior-recall-on-verge-of-afl-finals/
