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Brett Burton

Brett Burton (born 4 May 1978) is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League. He was picked up at Pick 16 in the 1998 AFL Draft and is noted for his spectacular high marking and freakish goal sense.

1999-2001 seasons

Debuting with the Adelaide Crows as a 20-year-old, Burton immediately made a difference in the team. He scored 25 goals in his first season in 1999, and picked up 22 disposals in the game against Geelong in Round 14. He played every game except one, averaging 13 disposals.

The next year he sustained several minor injuries that restricted his season to just nine games. He averaged 15 disposals and kicked eight goals, which was a good sign for the Crows. He only played 14 games the next year, including his first final, and kicked 14 goals along the way.

Was nicknamed the "Birdman" by Mike McLean from Triple M Football due to his high marking. The name has stuck for the duration of his career.

2002 season

2002 was a great year for him, playing all 25 games. He kicked six in a game against West Coast, as well as kicking four goals on four other occasions. He kicked 52.35 of the year, making him the Crows' leading goal scorer. He also set up numerous chances for others, averaging 11 disposals in a largely forward role.

2003 season

Burton once again was troubled with injury like in 2001, missing out on eight games from rounds three to 11. Nonetheless, he averaged 21 disposals playing in a role that moved him up the field. He also kicked 23 goals from his 16 games, and took some spectacular marks which gave him the nickname 'Birdman'.

2004 season

2004 wasn't great for Adelaide, but it was even worse for Burton. After playing the first eight games, he missed the next couple. He returned in Round 11 only to injure himself again which kept him out for a further seven games. He played just 13 games for the year, and he struggled for consistency. However, he was still able to average 20 disposals per game, but didn't contribute much in the way of scoring, managing only eight goals for the year.

2005-2006 seasons

As the Crows flew high in 2005, so did Burton. He played 20 games, averaging 20 disposals and kicking 14 goals, having also assisted in the scoring of many others. He kicked three goals in a win against the Western Bulldogs.

In 2006, Burton has started to become a vital goalkicker, kicking 27 goals from his first 10 games. He has also taken a few huge speckies in front of 45,000+ AAMI Stadium crowds.

2007-2008 seasons

In 2007 Burton started of the year by injuring his knee in round 1 of the season but despite this he played on due to the Crows' injury ravaged squad but could not play on and had to have minor surgery on it at the end of round 8. On his return the Crows pushed him forward and he helped the Crows grab on to eighth spot and compete in the finals, but despite a strong showing from Burton the Crows could not over come Hawthorn in the Elimination Final and their Season '07 campaign was over.

As 2008 came Burton was able to complete a full pre-season for the first time since he was at the club, with results immediately showing with Burton having strong performances in the NAB Cup. When season 2008 began Burton was now playing as a permanent Forward and was the Crows' main go to guy and started of with a good performance in the first game of the season kicking 5 goals and this form continued with Burton being in the Crows best players constantly before being suspended in round 10 against Essendon (thus ruling him out of Brownlow Medal contention). When returning Burton had a couple of downers but all that seemed to change when he booted 4 goals in the first half against Collingwood and looked promising before disaster struck.

Knee Injury, Rd 15, 2008 Vs Collingwood

Burton arguably having his best season ever with 34 goals so far for the year was struck down with a knee injury. The incident occurred early in the third quarter against Collingwood, while tussling with his opponent Harry O'Brien Burton went to change direction to follow the ball before falling down and clutching his left knee. The stretcher was brought out for Burton who was lying on the MCG turf in agony with the Adelaide Crows trainers and medical staff gathered around him. Replays then showed the incident with Burton's left leg jarring in the ground when he went to change direction, he then was taken off the ground with the Mobile stretcher. Later that day the Adelaide Football Club revealed that Burton had torn his left Anterior Cruciate Ligament and will be out of Football for 12 months as he undergoes the regular total Knee Reconstruction.

Out of Contract at end of 2008 season

Burton's contract with Adelaide expires at the end of the 2008 season, and Adelaide offered him a reduced contract for 2009. It is unclear whether Burton will accept this offer. Adelaide coach Neil Craig has been reported as saying "It's obviously not of the same financial level that it would've been if he were playing, so that's what Brett needs to weigh up."