It is the reality he faces now, however.

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"It surprised me a lot to be honest," he said.

"I knew that if I had a big pre-season it (would) set me up for a good year and I did that with (my) brother and a few of (my) mates, so we all had good pre-seasons.

"I think that set me up for (the) year but definitely surprised me to think that I could potentially be in that sort of range, I thought last year if I got drafted I would have been late to rookie ... I didn't think it'd be potentially this high."

It is no surprise that Butler's name has flown into early second round contention, however, as the 18-year-old enjoyed a consistent season.

Sharing his time between the midfield and forward line, Butler averaged 17.78 disposals, 3.3 marks and 4.78 tackles per game while adding seven goals in nine hit-outs.

He said it took him some time to adjust to the forward line role.

"Sometimes across the half-forward (line) I could get a bit lost and get out of the game a bit which was pretty disappointing," he said.

"The half-forward (role) is pretty hard to get right and I think as the year went on (I) probably started to get the role a bit more and midfield as well we started to work a bit better as well ..."

The season wasn't without some adversity for the Lake Wendouree junior, a cracked sternum ruling him out of two Vic Country games and a couple of NAB League contests.

"That disrupted (my season) a little bit which was pretty annoying because I thought I was playing some pretty consistent footy," he said.

He returned strongly, however, and finished off the season with a 27 disposal game against Gippsland Power.

Butler's ability to remain composed and work his way through tight-spaces under pressure to dispose of the ball cleanly was evident, as it was across the season.

Like his brother, Dan, one of St Kilda's small-forwards, Sam has pace to burn, but his ability to slow the speed of the game and use his skills undoubtedly impressed recruiters.

He said that it's a way of playing that he has been naturally gifted with but has also worked hard on.

"I do a lot of work outside of footy, go to the gym, go for kicks with Kai Lohmann and a few of the other Rebels boys, (but) probably a bit of both," he said.

"I think I've developed a bit of composure and working through some tight spaces throughout the year a bit better just with my agility and all that."

It has clearly resonated with AFL recruiters, Butler having spoken to all 18 clubs ahead of the draft.

He said that a move interstate to Brisbane was something that interested him, especially since good friend Harry Sharp has just completed his first season as a Lion.

"Brisbane (would) be sick, Sharpy went up there and the weather looks mint, just looks bloody great," he said.

The St Patrick's College football captain this season, Butler also has some leadership qualities that would impress recruiters.

"Being school footy captain was a great honour," he said.

"I remember watching Daniel play ... back in 2014, 2013 and 2012 I think he played on the MCG ... I think that's where it started me wanting to play First XVIII.

"To be named captain was great. School footy is the funnest footy I've played because I think it's not just about who gets the most touches it's just about playing with your mates and enjoying the moment."

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