Speedy, skilful, small forward Dan Butler has revealed a key reason why he’s now pressing strongly for his senior league debut with Richmond, in the big 2017 opening round clash with arch rival Carlton, on the back of an impressive body of work throughout the pre-season.

Butler again was a lively performer across the Tigers’ forward line, in last Sunday’s JLT Community Series win against Port Adelaide at Mt Gambier.

Although Butler had only nine disposals, he still managed to have an impact, finishing with an equal team-high five tackles, plus a brilliant, running soccer goal.

The 20-year-old is in the best shape of his time at Tigerland and, as a result, is reaping the benefits.

“I’ve been working on my fitness, mainly.  I haven’t been too fit over the past couple of years, so (I’m) working on fitness, along with skills, kicking, and finishing around goals,” Butler told ‘Roar Vision’.

Butler outlined what he believes are his primary on-field attributes . . . and those Tiger fans that have watched him in action during the JLT Community Series, would surely agree with his self-assessment.

“Tackling and speed, breaking lines, and stuff like that,” he said.

As much as Butler would love to play his first senior game in the season-proper with Richmond, after spending his first couple of years at the Club either injured, or playing at VFL level, he’s adopted a pragmatic approach to what lies ahead for him, football-wise, in 2017.

“That definitely would be a goal, but we’ll just take it week by week and see what happens,” he said.