Ryan, 34, was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this month and will soon start six months of chemotherapy before undergoing further surgery.

Raiders’ president Nic Conway said yesterday the third grade best and fairest winner and reserve grade premiership player was a fighter on and off the field.

“Ryan is one of the most courageous players in our history,” Conway said.

“He was like Peter Wilson at Albury in that he would stand under packs as a skinny player and take anything that came his way.

“He was admired by everyone.”

Many of those admirers will be turning out for a ‘Get Around Ryan Butler’ fund-raiser at Kinross Woolshed next Friday from 6pm.

Tickets are $100 per person with former AFL player Dale Weightman and Terry Daniher and comedians Tommy Siegert and Pommy Johnson to entertain the crowd.

“The support from the other Ovens and Murray clubs has been amazing,” Conway said.

“He played at Wodonga Raiders, but Ryan has strong ties at Lavington as well and John Hunt is the instigator of the fund-raising event.

“It’s a reflection of the person Ryan is.”

A major auction will be held with Wodonga Raiders’ major sponsor Hadar Homes putting up a $5000 building voucher, while North Melbourne star Jack Ziebell has donated two training tops.

Tickets are available at the Birallee Tavern, Kinross Woolshed and Lavington Sports Club.