Dan Butler set to be one of four Tiger debutants against Carlton (Foxsports)

[one-eyed]

Richmond Round 1 best 22: Dan Butler Supercoach, Tigers set to name four club debutants against Carlton

March 16, 2017
Jake Niall
FOX SPORTS

Butler is expected to join major off-season signings Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy, along with former Swans ruckman Toby Nankervis, in the Tiger 22 for the Round 1 clash.

Butler has impressed in the pre-season, showing the kind of speed that the Tigers sorely need and is a near-certain selection, assuming he stays fit.

Drafted in 2014, the small forward is yet to play an AFL game, having suffered knee issues in his debut season, before spending 2016 in the VFL.

Nankervis, recruited from the Swans to provide support for Shaun Hampson, has become essential to the Tigers after injuries and will assume the number one ruck spot from the first game.

Richmond has been delighted with Nankervis’ pre-season and believe he can not only ruck effectively but has some aptitude for drifting forward and marking in attack.

Prestia is the club’s prime recruit having crossed from Gold Coast on a significant multi-year deal and in exchange for a first-round draft pick. Prestia appears to have shaken off the knee issues that bedevilled his 2016 season and has shown his knack for winning the ball.

Meanwhile Caddy played all three of the pre-season games, performing well in the opening match, before two quieter outings when he played mainly as a forward.

The Tigers have a near-full list to pick from for Round 1 with Hampson (back) and Steven Morris (knee) the only players definitively ruled out.

Their most difficult selection call appears to be ruck support for Nankervis. Forward Ben Griffiths is capable of relieving but Damien Hardwick might wish to keep Griffiths in attack for structural reasons.

Mabior Chol is some chance to be included for the Carlton game and can also act as the second ruck while Ivan Maric is on standby if needed. Maric’s cousin Ivan Soldo has shown promise but is unlikely to be in the 22 for the first game.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/forward-dan-butler-set-to-be-among-four-club-debutants-in-richmonds-round-1-clash-with-carlton/news-story/ca1a8e422f667ad5016f681254fec4e9

[eliminator]

Hope Butler gets the chance to play against Carlton in round 1.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

I am personally against a standard of playing an inferior player on the basis of "structure"

[Simonator]

Butler does something we've barely seen in the last few years.. take the game on. He looks to run and run straight at the goals, resulted in multiple goals. Can get himself in trouble but if he plays at afl level enough and learns when to attack so aggressively I reckon he can kick a couple goals a game and setup a couple. Could be very valuable.

[Rodgerramjet]

Hope he plays, like what i have seen so far, has huge upside.

[🏅Dooks]

I like his confidence. Im a little concerned in the last 2 games hes been a little too confident/selfish.

Still learning. Rather him than an introvert in his role though.