Emerging Hawks’ defender Ryan Burton says he’s keen to build a football career in the brown and gold, despite being a product of South Australia.

Speaking to The Age, Burton said he felt he owed the club for showing confidence in him at the time of the draft, despite the youngster was battling a serious injury.

“I am really happy with how everything has gone,” said Burton. 

“Obviously, [the club] has backed me in. I feel like I have to repay them. I am really keen to stick around," he said.

Initially tipped as a top three prospect in the 2015 National Draft, a badly broken leg saw Burton slip through to Pick 19 – a selection that’s proving to be a steal for the Hawks.

Averaging 21.5 disposals and six marks a game, 2017 has been a breakout year for the young Hawk, who is tipped as one of the favourites to take out the NAB Rising Star Award.

Read: Burto named in team of the week for fourth time in seven weeks

Burton was handed the famous No.5 guernsey at the start of the 2017 season, a gesture that both surprised and humbled the young defender.

"It's, obviously, a prestigious number for the club. I was pretty surprised when the club asked me to have it,” he said. 

“I really appreciate them giving me the number. I am just trying to, obviously, forge my own history in it as well as having the respect for the other guys that have worn it and try and make them proud as much as make the club proud."