Arki Butler is finding rhythm at the right time of the season.
The Sandringham Dragons prospect kicked three goals in the first game of the Under-18s National Championships last Saturday, deployed exclusively in attack.
Although his opportunities were more limited than recent games, he looked dangerous throughout the contest, building on a stretch of strong form that has established him as a top five prospect.
But while performances like those naturally attract attention, Butler is focused on keeping his focus elsewhere.
"If I was to get drafted, I probably know that I'm not (going to) walk straight into an AFL midfield," Butler told Zero Hanger.
"I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team in the middle, but still develop my craft at half-forward and make sure that if I was to get drafted at the end of the year, I'd be able to play a role and play a bit of half-forward for a club."
The Vic Metro performance followed a jaw-dropping 8.7 goal, 33-disposal, 20 score involvement masterclass captaining Brighton Grammar against Melbourne Grammar in the APS competition.
While Butler has displayed his ability around stoppages, he's just as aware that AFL clubs value players who can impact in multiple roles from the get go.
That understanding has driven a major focus away from the football itself.
"Over the last 12 to 18 months, I've just tried to build up my tank a bit and make sure that I can run out four quarters in the middle," Butler said.
"It's obviously difficult not focusing on your footy and having to do a lot of running, but I think it's sort of paid off this year.
"I've seen myself get fitter and be able to run out games in the middle, which I haven't been able to do in past years."
The extra running has given Butler the platform to play the dynamic style that has caught recruiters' attention through the early stages of his 2026 campaign.
Rather than learning off traditional inside midfielders, he's drawn inspiration from players capable of hurting opposition sides both around the contest and inside 50.
"I watch a lot of Kysaiah Pickett, Zac Bailey, and Murphy Reid," Butler said.
"They obviously impact forward, but when they play mid, they're very explosive and cover the ground well.
"I take aspects from their game - how damaging they are forward, but also how damaging they are in the middle. That's something I want to implement into my game."
His development received another boost during the National Championships through the guidance of former Collingwood star Travis Cloke, who played 256 AFL games and kicked 452 goals.
"Travis Cloke is our forwards coach at Metro, and it's only been a short period, but he's been awesome for me," Butler said.
"He's got a wide range of knowledge for the game and understands football very well, so to be able to bounce questions off him and implement his ideas and skills into my game has been important."
As Butler's performances continue to attract attention, so too do discussions around where he could land come draft night.
But external rankings aren't occupying much space in his thinking.
"It's nice to be talked about in those conversations, but once you're up there, you sort of want to stay there and don't want to drop away," Butler admitted.
"For the moment, I'm just trying to find my best footy, block the outside noise out, and whatever happens at the end of the year happens.
"Whatever draft pick you go, everyone's equal at the end of the day and you just got to get to work."
Like most aspiring footballers, Butler grew up dreaming of pulling on the jumper of the club he supported as a kid.
"I've been a big Bombers fan ever since I was a young kid. It would be pretty surreal" Butler said.
"I'd be stoked wherever I went, just as long as I go."
Whether it's as an explosive midfielder, a dangerous half-forward, or a blend of both, Butler's focus remains firmly on his growth and changing game.
And if the past 18 months are any indication, he's doing everything possible to ensure he's ready when opportunity arrives.
