Few, if any, people Dan Butler left behind at Richmond would begrudge the small forward his excellent AFL form this year.

Since moving to St Kilda, the 24-year-old has kicked 28 goals in 18 games and was named in the extended All-Australian squad.

He’s been one of the best recruits of the season, despite having one of the lower profiles among the Saints’ five trade period acquisitions last October.

But now he stands on the road between his former club and a premiership, with Richmond to clash with St Kilda in Friday night’s do-or-die semi-final at Metricon Stadium.

“He was a big loss from a club point of view,” Tigers forward Jason Castagna told AAP, having been part of the selection squeeze that forced his former housemate out the door.

“He was a great guy and I was pretty close with him as well.

“It was sad to see him go but I’m also very happy for him that he’s gone there and he’s played so well.

“He’s playing the footy that a lot of us knew he could play.”

Butler played all but two games in Richmond’s 2017 premiership season, including the grand final win over Adelaide.

But he slipped down the pecking order in a fleet of fast and furious goal sneaks, including Castagna, Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton, and missed out on adding a second flag in 2019.

Butler has already confronted his former teammates once, in round four, when was one of the best afield with three goals in St Kilda’s upset 26-point win at Marvel Stadium.

“From an individual point of view I’m so rapt for him but also so proud of him,” Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said.

“I don’t think he ever really wanted to leave the footy club but to get an opportunity elsewhere and to perform in the way he has this year has been exceptional to watch.

“I have no doubt that he’s brought energy and vibrancy to the Saints.

“Last year was a challenging year for him and he’s still somewhat a Richmond man in my eyes, but I’m looking forward to clashing heads with him on Friday night.”