MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Dan Butler of the Tigers and Tom Langdon of the Magpies compete for the ball during the 2019 AFL round 02 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

With the AFL mid-season draft fast approaching, the idea of a trade period to match has been suggested by CEO Gillon McLachlan for the league's future.

If a mid-season trade-period was to be implemented into the 2019 season, there would be a few names circling the trade block and here's who might just be making a move mid-year.

Back
Next

Dan Butler (Richmond)

Potential suitors: Melbourne, Essendon

Once a livewire and key component of the Tigers' 2017 premiership campaign, Butler has struggled to keep up with the standard shown by Damien Hardwick's best 22. In 2018, Butler produced strong parallels with his flag-winning debut season but has struggled to find that same consistency in 2019.

The 23-year-old has battled for selection in Richmond's VFL side this season after playing the first three games of the year before being dropped from the Tigers' lineup.

A keen-eye for goal and a menace to defenders with his ability to press, Butler would certainly add much-needed energy to Victorian rivals Essendon and Melbourne.

A third round selection might just get the job done, with Richmond's small forward/midfield stocks at a surplus, but still expect the Tigers to play hard-ball. Both the Bombers and Demons could think about offering a second-round selection for Butler and receive a third/fourth in return.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Dan Butler of the Tigers (right) congratulates Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers on a goal during the 2018 AFL round 16 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 06, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Back
Next