AFTER more than 18 months between matches, Hawthorn draftee Ryan Burton made a successful return to football on Saturday.
Burton, who was recruited by the Hawks with pick 19 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, missed all of last year due to a serious leg injury, sustained in a match in August 2014.
But after one year, six months and 17 days, Burton returned to the field in Box Hill Hawks’ 50-point practice match win against Northern Blues.
The 19-year-old forward was stationed in defence, playing about 30 minutes of game time, before being rested at half time.
It’s been a long wait – and plenty of hard work to get back out there – but Burton was thrilled to make his return.
“My alarm was for 7am and I woke up at about 6 o’clock,” he said.
“I was a bit nervous and I played the game over in my head a few times last night, which doesn’t help you get to sleep. I was pretty keen to get to the oval this morning and I really enjoyed the day.”
Burton was in unfamiliar territory in more ways than one, spending the bulk of his game time in defence.
But he picked up five disposals and four marks, showing plenty of composure despite his lengthy stint out of the game.
“I was lucky to get a couple of early touches and it sort of set the game up for me and blew the cobwebs away,” Burton said.
Ryan Burton rebounds out of defence for Box Hill on Saturday. Picture: hawthornfc.com.au
“After a couple of marks and kicks I just got on with the game, it felt like I hadn’t missed anything.
“I felt like my fitness held up alright, I probably would have struggled to run out a full game, but the main thing is my knee’s feeling really good so I’m pretty happy with how it’s pulled up.”
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