Matthew Burton
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| Personal information | |
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| Birth | May 19, 1970 , Perth, Western Australia |
| Recruited from | Subiaco |
| Playing career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 1, 1 April 1995, Fremantle. vs. Richmond., at MCG |
| Team(s) | Fremantle (1995-1999)
70 games, 33 goals Kangaroos (2000-2003) 77 games, 33 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2005 season | |
| Career highlights | |
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Matthew "Spider" Burton (born May 19, 1970) was an Australian rules footballer. He played as a ruckman and began his Football career at Subiaco. "Spider" Burton, as he's commonly known, because of his towering 210cm frame, was formerly the AFL's tallest player (He has since been eclipsed by another Docker in Aaron Sandilands who stands at 211cm tall).
Matthew Burton's skill level was a bit unusual for someone of his height. He regularly executed perfect half-volley pick ups, clever handballs in tight situations or first-grab marks low down. He displayed these acts of skill too regularly during his career for them to be considered flukes.
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[edit] West Coast
Drafted by West Coast in 1991 and after three years on the West Coast Eagles senior list was de-listed without playing a game for the club under the AFL ruling that clubs cut lists back from 52 to 40.
[edit] Fremantle Dockers
In 1994 Fremantle saw something in this 210cm giant and he was picked up in the pre-season draft. He played in Fremantle's first match and developed a cult following. In 1999 he was made vice-captain of the club but played only seven games that year before being de-listed.
[edit] Kangaroos
In 1999 Burton was thrown a lifeline by the Kangaroos when they picked him with selection 74 in the pre-season draft. Burton then took off for where he left and continued to carve out a successful AFL career. He once again became a cult figure and enjoyed enthralling the crowds with his tap work and surprisingly ability to collect the footy from below his knees. A highlight came in 2003 he had the chance to ruck against Aaron Sandilands, Seeing the two big men go toe toe at the Telstra Dome was a sight to behold.
