RYAN Burton’s road to becoming an AFL footballer has been far from easy.
It’s little wonder he described being drafted as “a dream come true”.
The highly rated forward achieved his dream on Tuesday night, with Hawthorn using pick 19 to bring him to the club.
Burton sustained a broken leg in 2014, which initially put his football future on hold.
But over the past 15 months, the 18-year-old South Australian has been on the mend, giving himself the best chance to achieve his dream.
When Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson took to the Adelaide Convention Centre stage to call out his name with pick 19, Burton couldn’t believe it.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling, it’s a dream come true,” Burton said.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to do over the last 15 months with the injury, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.
“I’ve loved watching the Hawks over the last few years, winning premierships, (and they’ve got) a great game style, a very good team, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
A NAB AFL Academy graduate, Burton burst onto the scene with a five-goal performance for South Australia at under-18 level last year.
When he slipped through to pick 19, Hawthorn’s recruiters were surprised – but had no hesitations in signing him up.
“Getting Ryan Burton with our first pick was a little bit of a surprise for us, that Ryan was there at that pick (19),” Hawks’ Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said.
“From a medical point of view he had the tick off. He obviously hasn’t played AFL footy for 15 months, so it’s a slight risk in that, but from our point of view we were rapt he was available for us.
Likened to new teammate Jack Gunston, the 191-centimetre North Adelaide product is agile, strong on the lead and knows how to kick a goal.
“I think my marking on the lead, set shot goalkicking, decision making and game smarts (are among my strengths),” Burton said.
“A lot of people have seen me as similar to Jack Gunston, as that third tall, but I’d love to push into the midfield in the future.
“I think I’ve got the size for it and I think I can build the tank, but I’m happy to play anywhere to be honest.”
Getting back on the park will be Burton’s first goal, after what he described as a ‘difficult’ year.
“As soon as I did it (the injury), I thought I was done and there was a lot of emotions going through my head,” Burton told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“But once I started swimming and getting in the gym a little bit more, I knew I’d be able to get back ... and get myself right to be ready for my first (AFL) pre-season.
“This past year has been extremely difficult ... so I’m happy to finally get my name read out.
“I have so much respect for the Hawthorn Football Club and I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into it.”
Joining the triple-reigning premiers could be a daunting proposition for some, but for Burton, he sees it as the perfect opportunity to start his journey to becoming a top flight AFL footballer.
“I’m the kind of kid that just wants to learn as much as he can and get better so I couldn’t be at a better place than Hawthorn with the coaching staff that they have and some of their leaders,” he said.
“Hopefully I can become a better player with their help.
“This has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember.
“It’s weird that the day is finally here but I’m stoked to finally be a Hawthorn player now.”
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