I am a big Butler fan. I love someone who is efficient and Dan is ruthlessly efficient. I don't think there is another player in the AFL that can exploit their speed as well (both offensively and defensively). His decision making and composure near goals is stellar. When you see the replay of his goals it's like watching the Flash in slow motion . It all looks so calm and calculated although he's running at 60km an hour. He has turned Saints traditional weakness (goals per inside 50) into a strength. I think the move was great for Dan as he is actually getting recognition he didn't get while at Richmond. He is actually the best small forward in the game ATM (although Rankine will take that mantle soon).
I can understand why we made the decision as we had small forwards up the wazoo but KMac v Dan? or Naish V Dan ? ( No brainers) Maybe if Rance had pulled the in earlier we could have kept him on. The end of his VFL season last year he was kicking the outrageous goals he is now. Check out the last quarter of the Essendon final when we make up an 8 goal deficit. No Dan, no win. He has probably got the Saints an extra 8 to 12 points this season. No way they win yesterday without him. He changed momentum for them on 2 or 3 occassions. Probably three goal of the day contenders amongst his 4.
Have to say I agree with you. I can only claim this in 2nd paragraph of a post on July 8/'19 after spending 1st pgh criticising Dan's form at the time:
' ... we now have SS and Bakes is a rapid developer. I would just hesitate to trade out both Ellis and Butler - keep one for depth? In that case, Ellis is a far more accomplished player although his dreadful efforts in defence make me go spare. Yet Butler is younger - maybe can still improve further. If Ellis wants to take more $$ elsewhere, it's simple - keep him. ' (Tigerdell probably voiced the strongest objection to losing DB last year on this thread at least in late '19).
Looking back, I didn't word it so well, but meaning keep Butler - he's only 23. The club identified and studied him, selected him in the draft as the type we wanted/needed to create the team game we planned. Then we developed him into becoming an excellent contributor as one of the 3 unstoppable amigos creating the '17 flag team. We knew what he is capable of. Yes, he'd lost some form by 2019 or was inconsistent, but that's the nature of life as a SF at AFL level - the Crows cut arguably the best SF of all time. For what gain?
As has been noted by many including Lamb above and myself, Rance's late and odd decision is probably mostly to blame. But I also agree Dan B is the best SF in the game now. He proved it last night and in their Swans defeat where he outplayed Papley in all facets. He's better than ever and has become so deadly, left or right foot, some of his kicks are just brilliant. Trading him at 23, did we think he had peaked and was not much good any more? He also probably suffered due to not having a famous RFC name and family connection tbh. Our club would have had all the medical info on the effect of his ankle injury too. Perhaps should have realised he would need more time to return to his absolute best.
However, I'm trying to accept it. Currently he is a better player IMO than Castagna (who can only dream of kicking this well) and Higgins whose kicks lack penetration I find. But Aarts is tracking well and looks a harder player than DB. But then we have Bolton and Baker, both of whom are still better all-round footballers as they can play mid-forward or back. Doubt Dan could go anywhere else long-term but SF. Our B & B play bigger roles already.
But I don't accept giving him away so cheaply - a star premiership player in the 2017 season has to be valued more. Yer, I get the club culture stuff and I value it, but when it comes to other clubs, it's Darwinian - survival of the fittest. Treat our players respectfully, but don't get bent over!
Yes, worried that Dan will be the difference if we play them again in finals. But still think his weakness is being subjected to close-checking pressure. I think we have just the man that can apply it too - Baker. It will be a great match-up to see if it ever happens. But looks like we have gifted a rival maybe an 8-10 year present that could keep on hurting all that time.
Sorry, rant over.
