Following an injury-riddled 2016, Ryan Burton has worked his way into the Hawks’ starting line-up and emerged as one of the more positive stories out of Hawthorn’s Round 2 loss.
Despite lining up against Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker for much of Saturday’s game, the Hawks’ new number five oozed class and showed calmness under pressure, collecting 26 disposals including a team-high 11 intercept possessions.
Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson was pleased with the way his young backman handled the challenge.
“Young Burto had a pretty big task playing on Tex Walker,” Clarkson said in his post-match press conference.
“He had over 20 disposals and took some marks for us, so we’re really pleased with the way he acquitted himself over the course of the game.”
Relishing his own opportunity but craving the team success that has eluded the Hawks so far this season, it was a bittersweet result for Burton.
“It’s a great feeling being back out on the MCG. Obviously I missed out [on selection] last week, so I’m really glad to have been given the opportunity this week," said the 20-year-old.
“It’s nice to get a bit of the ball and try to get a bit of run off half back which is what the team needed, but it’s still really disappointing to come away with a loss.
“We’ll look over the game at training, reassess, and hopefully come back better when we face Gold Coast next week.”
