Daniel Butler is no stranger to stepping up and performing brilliantly on football’s biggest stage – the MCG.

Richmond’s fourth pick (No. 67 overall) in last week’s 2014 National Draft, was one of the stars for the St Patrick’s College team that defeated Box Hill College in the grand final of the prestigious Herald Sun Shield competition this year.

St Pat’s made it a record-breaking fifth consecutive Herald Sun Shield title, with Butler a key team member for the last three of those triumphs (2012-14), which were played as curtain-raisers to AFL home-and-away fixtures at the MCG.

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In 2012, Butler booted three goals in St Pat’s grand final win against new Tiger teammate Liam McBean’s St Bernard’s Essendon.

Then, in 2013, he kicked a goal and was a valuable contributor in the victory over Whitefriar’s College.

This year, Butler was St Pat’s vice-captain, and he played a major role in their decisive grand final success against Box Hill College, which was played as a curtain-raiser to the Round 20 Richmond v Essendon match. 

Butler ignited the St Pat’s team through his explosive pace, and the X-factor elements of his game, capping off a top-class performance with two inspirational goals.

It was the sort of display that North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington had become accustomed to seeing from Butler during his time with the TAC Cup team.

“Daniel’s had an outstanding year.  He played every game for Vic Country, as a small forward.  I thought he was one of the best ‘smalls’ in the national (under-18s) carnival, with his pressure inside 50 and his speed,” Partington said.

“Dan has elite pace and elite agility, attributes AFL clubs like . . .

“He can also go on the ball, and can do some uncanny things throughout the game.”

In one particular match during the TAC Cup season, Butler underlined his impressive defensive work, applying an amazing 17 tackles against the competition’s eventual premiers Oakleigh Chargers.