Toast Round 2 Rising Star Nom: Ryan Burton GET AROUND HIM!

[OnTheRocks]

He was playing as a 2nd tall last year - whilst more defensive responsibility, his job was simple - follow his man, nullify him, if possible beat him. He was being led to the ball, then using his natural athleticism to spoil, and his midfielder's mindset saw him run and create either without a direct opponent, or a slow lumbering KPF giving a half chase.

This year, he's playing on the 3rd or 4th forward, being used in primary rebounding roles, and his opponent is:
a) Quicker, and
b) More defensively focused

He's also no longer minding the opposition's primary linkman, so is getting caught out of position "in transition" - no longer at the source of the contest, nor able to break away as his opponent is searching for space out wide.

A number of times he has started to go to a contest, only to back out and stick to his man as he is too far away. This was Hodge and Gibson's elite talent and now Stratton is showing how it is done, whilst Burton is playing the main rebounder role. In time he will learn the balance (Birchall is oh so underrated at this - a truly elite skill of his), but for now, he is on a rapid learning curve.

If we play Frawley/Brand and Stratton - Burton is playing on a player closer to his attributes. His best performances last year were as the 2nd defensive assignment, but this isn't where he adds most to the team (ATM).

For those that missed it.top post

Interestingly when Chip & Strats play well it allows Burto to show his talent

 

[halfback dasher]

Primal scream when the siren went showed me he's minds back were it's needed to be ...

 

[Brishawk]

Primal scream when the siren went showed me he's minds back were it's needed to be ...

So you are saying he is no longer having second year blues in his third year while also suffering from homesickness and chosen one fatigue?

 

[MrPremiership]

Building blocks. He was always going to have a little bump, hopefully through that now and is big in the second half of the year.

 

[Gralin]

He's back

 

[Brant]

He's back

Owns Adelaide

 

[Slysh]

He's back

Not bad for a guy who isn't competitive, got ahead of himself and who is homesick

 

[local hack]

He's back

His last three weeks have been pretty good. Great signs. Would love him and Birch running off half back.

 

[beta_condition]

9 or so inside 50's playing from the backhalf very impressive numbers, means hes really reading the play well again and gaining confidence to leave his opponent at the right time.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

9 or so inside 50's playing from the backhalf very impressive numbers, means hes really reading the play well again and gaining confidence to leave his opponent at the right time.

Took the game on a number of times tonight - looked at ease with running right at opposition players and then scorching then with a quick step or turn of pace.

 

[KermitJagger]

He's back

Loves playing on Tex

 

[MrPremiership]

Has had a good month. No surprise after his early injury and the Higgins hit hysteria.

Still only played 30-odd games.

 

[Buzz Hawk]

Tex looked disinterested out there on Saturday. Burto played well but Tex had a bit of the Geoff Hayward's about him.
Fish rots from the head and all that..

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Tex looked disinterested out there on Saturday. Burto played well but Tex had a bit of the Geoff Hayward's about him.
Fish rots from the head and all that..

It was Ernie’s drive from the back half that was the highlight of the match up, regardless of what Tex was doing.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Seems to be back in form, which is great news. Love a bit of:

Hardwick - Burton - Sicily

 

[Thaihawk]

I loved the way he celebrated with his team mates. The attitude of all our players seemed different, more enjoyment, more satisfaction. Clarko has flicked the first switch. The second comes at the end of the h&a season.

 

[Hodgey 15]

Seems to be back in form, which is great news. Love a bit of:

Hardwick - Burton - Sicily

Gees that has very nice look to it.
Get used to seeing that on the team sheets every Thursday night for next 10 years.

 

[wizzard400]

Has shown up to play every time he's gone up against Adelaide. Adds credence to the myth that he has a personal vendetta against them.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Has shown up to play every time he's gone up against Adelaide. Adds credence to the myth that he has a personal vendetta against them.

He’s been very good for the last month.

His game against Brisbane was marred by a few errors, but you could see that he was back to his run and gun self.

 

[Birdofprey]

A couple of times I saw a Hawk take the ball at the back of the center square and take off for a run. First few steps I was thinking it was Smith, but the hair not quite right. It was, of course, Burton.

 

[RIOLINWITPUNCHS]

Seems to be back in form, which is great news. Love a bit of:

Hardwick - Burton - Sicily

Extraordinary to think that could easily also be our half forward line.

 

[OnTheRocks]

Superman returns?

 

[MrPremiership]

Watched the replay last night. Really liked what I saw from Burton in terms of leadership.
Every time Sicily kicked a goal, Burton ran over to him, arm around him, trying to calm him down and re-focus. Did similar after a non-free kick decision where Sicily was berating an umpire. Signs of an emerging leader

 

[Agent Smith]

Superman returns?

S

 

[Gold Member]

He's back