Brief

Arki Butler emerges as top AFL draft prospect with Tom Papley flair

The 18‑year‑old forward is praised for his leadership, kicking skill and outspoken personality ahead of the October draft.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 01:38:06 GMT

Arki Butler, a forward for the Sandringham Dragons, is being tipped as a top‑five selection in next month’s AFL draft, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The 18‑year‑old, who has drawn comparisons to Sydney Swans star Tom Papley, is expected to be taken inside the top ten.

What happened

Butler captained Brighton Grammar’s First XVIII football team this year and returned early from a broken collarbone that ended his AFL under‑18 championships campaign. He played in Brighton’s nine‑point win over Caulfield Grammar in the APS grand final, a match that attracted around 7,000 spectators. Despite the injury, Butler said he was determined to return for the final game.

What the reports add

The article notes that Sydney holds the No. 6 pick after trading Nick Blakey to North Melbourne, creating a realistic scenario where Butler could become Papley’s teammate. Draft guru Kevin Sheehan highlighted Butler’s “mercurial ability” and likened him to former Geelong and GWS forward Steve Johnson.

What was said

Butler told the masthead, “I think I’m quite out there and quite energetic, and like to get amongst the boys, whether it be at footy or away from footy. I hope that’s infectious when I’m around people.” He added, “Most small forwards are a little bit lippy and annoying, and get under everyone’s skin, so I’ll maybe take those traits of the AFL small forwards.” On his goal to be a nuisance for opponents, Butler said, “To be a player like that would be awesome. Being a nightmare for the opposition is my goal.”

How it came about

Butler’s football pedigree includes his grandfather Allan Davis, a 250‑game VFL/AFL veteran who played in St Kilda’s 1966 premiership. He studies the game of Tom Papley and Brisbane Lions forward Zac Bailey, naming them among the forwards he watches most closely. His recent focus has been on improving his kicking, inspired by a conversation with Murphy Reid about disposal efficiency.

Key facts

Arki Butler is projected as a top‑five AFL draft pick. (smh.com.au)
He captained Brighton Grammar’s First XVIII and returned from a broken collarbone for the APS grand final. (smh.com.au)
Butler is likened to Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley and studied Zac Bailey. (smh.com.au)
His grandfather Allan Davis played 250 VFL/AFL games and was part of St Kilda’s 1966 premiership. (smh.com.au)

Sources

[1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “AFL Draft 2026: Meet Arki Butler, the draft prospect who moulds his game on the likes of Swans star Tom Papley, Fremantle’s Murphy Reid and Brisbane Lion Zac Bailey”