Brett Burton

[Dig]

Brett Burton’s bid to play again this season is over.

Burton, who earlier this season announced that he would retire at the end of 2010, has today received scan results showing his ankle is not healing as expected.

“When I announced my retirement mid-season, I said that I was committed to training hard and getting back to full fitness so I could come back and perform for the Adelaide Football Club again,” Burton said.

“While I have been setting high standards in my training since then, unfortunately the ankle injury I sustained six weeks ago has prevented me from playing again.

“I would like to thank all those supporters who have supported me during my career and look forward to seeing you at our round 22 game against St Kilda.

“I would also like to thank my wife Jane, my parents Gary and Karen and siblings Ty and Tanya for their continued support throughout my career.”

Burton, 33, played six AFL games this season for a total of 177. He was drafted from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens in 1998 and made his debut the following year. The Club’s leading goalkicker in 2002 and 2008, Burton kicked 264 goals for the Crows.


Going to miss those speccys Birdman!

[Felch]

Have the pleasure of knowing Brett, and his family quite well. Fantastic people.

From a spectators and supporters point of view, Brett has been great to watch over the years but also has frustrated at times. All part of the ride throughout a great career. Injuries definately held him back to a certain extent but he always came back and flew for marks with complete disregard for his own safety.

I know opposition supporters (mainly Port) dislike him, but he has got a bad wrap - one of the most humble guys you will ever meet.

Well done Brett !

[Gingernuts]

A frustrating player probably best summed up by that massive mark against Carlton last year. Took on of the best marks in the history of the game, and then went back and missed it.

A very entertaining player to watch and to be honest it was probably that unpredictability that made him so, you just never knew when he might pull something spectacular out of the bag.

Great stuff Brett, sorry you didn't get the chance to play in a GF mate. Close a couple of times, but not quite.

He seems to be very well articulated, I reckon he could actually make quite a good coach (just not a goalkicking one!).