In 2017, Sam watched his brother Dan win the AFL Grand Final as a 14 year old, and has had work experience at St Kilda and Richmond.
[4] At the Vic Country Draft Combine, he put AFL clubs on notice when he recorded the quickest 20m sprint time (2.97 seconds) and came second in the running (87 cm) and standing (71 cm) vertical jump.
[5] Before making his AFL debut, Butler played 5 matches for the Box Hill Hawks at VFL level.
[7] After earning his spot in the side due to a strong performance in the VFL against Essendon, he was called up to AFL level.
[9] However, Sam was able to retain his place in the side for round 10, where Hawthorn played the Brisbane Lions in Launceston.