Eighteen-year-old Louis Butler will become the Western Bulldogs’ third debutant for the 2020 season when he lines up against Sydney this Thursday night.

The running defender has earned his senior call-up, joining Ben Cavarra and Laitham Vandermeer as first-gamers for the red, white and blue this year.

Senior Coach Luke Beveridge broke the news to an unsuspecting Butler before Tuesday’s main training session at VU Whitten Oval.

01:41

Bevo announces Round 4 debutant

Luke Beveridge announces Louis Butler as the next Bulldog to make his debut in Round 4 of the 2020 AFL Season.

“I didn’t really hear any news from Bevo or any of the other coaches about it,” he said.

“We were just doing a game review, and it got to the end and Bevo started talking a bit about me, and just said I was playing.

“All the boys got around me.  It’s something I’ll probably never forget.  It’s a dream come true.  I’m over the moon.”

01:24

Louis Butler | 'A dream come true'

Hear from Louis Butler following the news he will make his debut against the Sydney Swans on Thursday night at the SCG.

Butler arrived at the Bulldogs as a third-round selection in last year’s NAB AFL Draft (pick 53) after being a standout performer for the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League and captaining his school team at Brighton Grammar.

He was a standout on the training track over the summer and has used his blend of speed, endurance, courage and strong decision-making to force his way into the senior team.