FRINGE Tiger Dan Butler's hopes of an unlikely senior call-up could be in jeopardy because of a report in Sunday's VFL Grand Final against Williamstown.

Seagulls opponent Nick Mellington tackled Butler across the boundary line midway through the second term, before the Tiger struck an unprepared Mellington in his midriff with his left fist. 

Mellington, who previously played for Richmond's VFL team, went to ground and remained there for a brief period, with the umpire immediately informing Butler he was on report for striking. 

The 2017 Richmond premiership forward has played only seven AFL games this year after falling behind Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna and Shai Bolton. 

Butler already loomed as a longshot to play, especially with the Tigers electing to rest Kamdyn McIntosh and Jack Ross, as well as Sydney Stack returning from a syndesmosis injury.

Jack Graham (shoulder) and Nathan Broad (concussion) are the two senior Richmond players under injury clouds.