Matthew Burton
Kangaroos and Fremantle · “Spider”
AFL career
147 games65 goals
- Debut
- R1 1995 v RCH1 Apr 1995
- Most recent
- R22 2003 v CAR31 Aug 2003
Stats
2003 | KAN | 10 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 6.1 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 38 |
2002 | KAN | 23 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 9.3 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 58 |
2001 | KAN | 21 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 57 |
2000 | KAN | 23 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 6.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 46 |
1999 | FRE | 7 | 5.0 | 6.6 | 11.6 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 59 |
1998 | FRE | 20 | 7.7 | 6.5 | 14.2 | 5.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 79 |
1997 | FRE | 11 | 6.5 | 5.7 | 12.2 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 53 |
1996 | FRE | 15 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 10.6 | 4.1 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 60 |
1995 | FRE | 17 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 12.8 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 61 |
Bio
Recruited from Subiaco, Matthew Burton entered the AFL as an inaugural member of the Fremantle Dockers in 1995, immediately distinguishing himself as the tallest player in the history of the competition at 210cm. Dubbed "Spider" due to his gangly frame and extensive reach, he became an instant cult figure in the west, utilising his height advantage to neutralise contests and provide first use to the midfield. Although he was a regular fixture in the side during Fremantle's challenging early years, concerns regarding his mobility and the evolving speed of the game led to him being delisted by the club at the conclusion of the 1999 season.
North Melbourne offered Burton a lifeline via the 2000 pre-season draft, viewing his tap work as a valuable asset to support their midfield brigade. He adapted well to the change, playing consistent senior football for the Kangaroos over four seasons and providing a competitive edge in ruck duels against more athletic opponents. While never a high-possession winner around the ground, his specialist ability to secure hit-outs ensured he remained a viable component of the squad until his retirement in 2003. Burton held the record as the VFL/AFL's tallest ever player for over a decade, a mantle eventually passed to fellow Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands.
Profile
- Born
- 19 May 1970 (age 56y 155d)
- Birthplace
- Perth, WA
- Height
- 210 cm
- Weight
- 103 kg
Teams
Family
- Brother:Jay Burton
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Subiaco, Matthew Burton entered the AFL as an inaugural member of the Fremantle Dockers in 1995, immediately distinguishing himself as the tallest player in the history of the competition at 210cm. Dubbed "Spider" due to his gangly frame and extensive reach, he became an instant cult figure in the west, utilising his height advantage to neutralise contests and provide first use to the midfield. Although he was a regular fixture in the side during Fremantle's challenging early years, concerns regarding his mobility and the evolving speed of the game led to him being delisted by the club at the conclusion of the 1999 season.
North Melbourne offered Burton a lifeline via the 2000 pre-season draft, viewing his tap work as a valuable asset to support their midfield brigade. He adapted well to the change, playing consistent senior football for the Kangaroos over four seasons and providing a competitive edge in ruck duels against more athletic opponents. While never a high-possession winner around the ground, his specialist ability to secure hit-outs ensured he remained a viable component of the squad until his retirement in 2003. Burton held the record as the VFL/AFL's tallest ever player for over a decade, a mantle eventually passed to fellow Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands.