A member of the AIS/AFL Academy, Butler played for South Australia at the AFL Under 18 Championships in both 2002 and 2003, and also won a reserves SANFL premiership with Central District in the latter season. He went on to be drafted by West Coast with the 20th pick in the 2003 National Draft.
Butler, an AIS/AFL Academy member, participated in the AFL Under 18 Championships for South Australia in both 2002 and 2003. He also secured a reserves SANFL championship with Central District in 2003 before being selected by West Coast with the 20th pick in the 2003 National Draft.