Richmond re-sign Kane Lambert and Dan Butler after playing key roles in Tigers’ rise

TWO of the key pillars in Richmond’s rebuild this season, Kane Lambert and Dan Butler, have been rewarded with contract extensions.

TWO of the key pillars in Richmond’s rebuild this season have been rewarded with new two-year contract extensions.

Midfielder Kane Lambert and small forward Dan Butler have put pen to paper on new deals this week, tying them to the club until at least the end of 2019.

Lambert has been a midfield revelation this season, averaging more than 23 disposals from 20 games, while Butler – who made his AFL debut in Round 1 – is averaging almost five score involvements and has kicked 24 goals from 19 games.

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Lambert, who was overlooked at four drafts before being picked up as a rookie in 2014, said he could not be happier at the Tigers as the club storms towards finals football.

“It’s a very exciting time to be part of Richmond,” the 25-year-old said.

“It’s good to put it (the contract) behind us and know my future is set at Richmond and we’re all set for a finals series.

Dan Butler kicks a goal against Fremantle.

Kane Lambert celebrates a goal against GWS.

“If you turned the clock back three years when I was playing VFL at Williamstown and said, ‘In three years’ time you’ll be playing at Richmond going into a finals series’, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“It’s all happened pretty quickly but I’m extremely excited and happy to be here.”

Butler was handed a football lifeline at the end of last season with a one-year contract extension after a less than impressive first two years at the club.

But the 21-year-old has repaid the faith with an impressive season which has seen him nominated for the NAB Rising Star award.

“I kind of didn’t have too many expectations on myself coming into this year but it was great to have a good pre-season and try and find my spot in the team and it’s been pretty exciting I’ve played most games,” Butler said.

“I think from week to week I’ve been pretty consistent and have just tried to play my role of putting pressure on and helping my teammates down the field. I’ve been lucky enough to kick a few goals but that’s just a bonus.”

Richmond meets St Kilda in the final round of the home-and-away season at the MCG on Sunday.