Ryan Burton is a highly respected AFL defender for the Port Adelaide Football Club, known for his composure under pressure, intercept marking, and booming kick. Born and raised in Adelaide, he attended Sacred Heart College and first made his mark playing junior football with PHOS Camden and in the SANFL with North Adelaide.

 

A promising junior career was interrupted by a serious leg injury at school, where he shattered his tibia and dislocated his kneecap, but his resilience and determination saw him return to elite form. Drafted by Hawthorn with pick 19 in the 2015 AFL National Draft, Burton debuted in 2016 and earned a Rising Star nomination the following year before being traded to Port Adelaide at the end of 2018. Since then, he has been a key part of Port’s backline, combining defensive strength with attacking rebound.

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Away from football, Burton is an avid golfer who enjoys spending his downtime on the course with teammates and friends. He has played in numerous pro-am events, including the LIV Golf Adelaide Pro-Am in 2025