AFL round 4: Dan Butler stars for St Kilda in victory over former club Richmond Tigers
Dan Butler’s former teammates struggled to contain the St Kilda forward as he put on a masterclass at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
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Playing against his former club for the first time, St Kilda forward Dan Butler has put on a masterclass at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Butler signed with the Saints for the 2020 season after a five-year stint with the Richmond Tigers, and flourished against his ex-teammates.
The 22-year-old managed two goals, eight disposals and three marks in the first half, guiding his side to a comfortable 26-point victory in Melbourne.
The reigning premiers struggled to contain Butler, his pace proving a valuable asset for the hosts when in attack.
Two goals and eight disposals for Dan Butler so far!
— AFL (@AFL) June 27, 2020
He’s loving playing against his former side. #AFLSaintsTigers pic.twitter.com/80zih1G8YJ
That kick from Butler was elite #AFLSaintsTigers Good start against his old side
— Stephanie Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) June 27, 2020
Dan Butler F1 #SuperCoach
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) June 27, 2020
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Butler’s third goal was nothing short of remarkable; a pinpoint accurate banana kick from the boundary line to extend St Kilda’s lead in the third quarter.
“Look at that one sailing between the stick,” Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson cried.
“Dan Butler, what a start for his career at St Kilda, and what an afternoon against his old club.
“What an asset he’s been so far for St Kilda.”
@stkildafc Bend it like Butler! #AFLSaintsTigers
— Ross Wilson (@rosswilsonmusic) June 27, 2020
Imagine not playing Dan Butler.
— Jake Bourke (@JakeBourke) June 27, 2020
The bloke is a jet.#AFLSaintsTigers
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick watched on as the player he traded eight months earlier ran riot against his side, who have only recorded on victory in the 2020 season to date.
St Kilda received the speedster in exchange for pick No. 56 at last year’s draft, which has proven a masterstroke decision.
Saints list manager James Gallagher sang Butler’s praises in October.
“We are really pleased to bring Dan on board and add to the talented group,” Gallagher said.
“He is a player with a specific skillet who we believe will bolster our forward line.”
“His ability to work up the ground and hit the forward 50 with speed is really strong, as his appetite for defensive pressure.”
Rowan Marshall, Jack Lonie, Josh Battle, Tim Membrey, Dean Kent and Bradley Hill were the other goalscorers for the Saints in the first half.
Meanwhile, Tigers star Jack Riewoldt slotted his first goal since the coronavirus lockdown, perfectly executing his free kick from the boundary line.
Hardwick axed premiership players Daniel Rioli, Marlion Pickett, Ivan Soldo and Jack Graham in a major shake-up after the smashing from Hawthorn in round three.
Dustin Martin’s return failed to spark Richmond as their AFL premiership defence took another hit. The Brownlow medallist collected 19 disposals after a week off with bruised ribs but didn’t have a major influence.
Many of the same issues that have plagued the Togers since the season resumption were evident again as they failed to match their opponents’ speed and intensity around the ball.
St Kilda burnt the Tigers with their fast ball movement and led by as much as 19 points on multiple occasions before halftime.
Richmond unbelievably undisciplined tonight. #AFLSaintsTigers
— Tim Yeatman (@TimYeatman) June 27, 2020
@Richmond_FC look tired, frustrated, lost & confused.
— Paul Cook (@Cooksphere) June 27, 2020
Sloppy play, un-forced errors & lack of effort.
Worst they've looked in years.#AFLSaintsTigers
Kick also accuracy proved the difference at Marvel Stadium — of the Saints’ 18 scoring shots, only three were behinds. Both sides managed 38 inside 50s, but St Kilda were more effective in converting the chances.
Richmond were unable to close the gap in the final quarter, with Tom Lynch and Shai Bolton scored two goals each for the 2019 premiers.
“The spirit seems to have drained from Richmond,” Tim Lane said on 3AW.
“This is a mystery of this season which has been full of them.”
When the full-time siren sounded, the scoreline read St Kilda 15.3 (93) to Richmond 10.7 (67). The result left Richmond sitting outside the top eight with two losses and a draw since the season restart.
— With AAP
Originally published as AFL round 4: Dan Butler stars for St Kilda in victory over former club Richmond Tigers