Matthew "Spider" Burton

[Darky]

Today's player is the Galloping Hat-rack.

In my opinion, the best centre-bounce ruckman in the league, due mostly to his height. Unbeatable in the tap-outs, even took White and King to the cleaners in this department last year. (White King, cleaners... I kill me http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif )

His height does have its setbacks - he generally fumbles a bit and relies on handball for disposal. Only averaged a few of possessions a game last year, but this was partly due to the ruck rotation reducing his time on the field. If he is used as a sole ruckman for 4 (or at least 3) quarters, it would be interesting to see how many touches he does get in general play, hopefully making a mockery of the media consensus that he is a liability around the ground.


[This message has been edited by Darky (edited 23 February 2001).]

[The invisible mullet]

Whenever Spider comes off the ground I suspect it is to change to some shorter legs. Seems to be able to only play half a game - generally opens well only to fade away as the game wears on. Not much value around the ground. North looked lopsided with burton, Capuano and McKernan in the one side. It will be interesting to see what will happen this year - will Burton keep a player like Lindsay Smith out of the side?

[Rooboy 96]

I am very impressed with the guys determination to win the ball at ground level... the only thing that worries me is he does not have a great football brain... or he might it just takes takes so long for the thoughts to get from his brain to his feet...

[bob]

At age 32 "Spider has a limited time in the game.Given that most sides are going for the mobile ruckman eg White, Barnes,Mckernan etc you would think he is a back up for Mckernan.

But I would not undervalue his centre bounce work, when he has got his act together he is almost unstoppable eg against Melbourne when we kicked 11 goals for a 1/4.And Peter Bell stated that he received 15 more pocessions due to the big bloke.

[This message has been edited by bob (edited 23 February 2001).]

[Shinboners]

Well, we can't do anything about Burton's lack of mobility around the ground, but they should be able to do something with his fitness. Last year, he always did well in the first half before fading away in the second. He was very good at giving our centre square players first use of the ball, but once he tired, the opposition ruckman would take over and our (in previous seasons) solid 6 or 7 goal leads would disappear faster than a West Coast fan faced with no finals matches.

Also agree with Mullet's concern that he may keep a young ruckman like, and bias doesn't come into this at all, oh no....Drew Petrie out of the side. Or that Lindsay Smith fella. Still, if Burton plays well enough, then naturally keep him in the side.

[Carey_is_King]

Burton.
Bonza bloke.
Bloody big.
Better than many.
Bonus recruit.


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Trample the Weak,
Hurdle the Dead.

[Spidergirl~RiCkChiCk]

EVERITT IS GONNA WHIP YOUR GANGLY ARSE TODAY BURTON GRRRH http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/tongue.gif hehe r they even linin up on each other?

sPiDeR eVeRiTt and RiCkY oLaReNsHaW
~kewlest players round!!!

[Darky]

Spider Burton won't be playing, still recovering from that finger/hand/tentacle injury, should be back from Round 1 though.