Matt Burton excited by challenge of finding, developing football talent
The challenge of finding and developing the next crop of football talent is a daunting task and new Calder Cannons talent manager Matt Burton can’t wait to get started.
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New Calder Cannons talent manager Matt Burton says he’s driven by the challenge of developing the next crop of AFL and AFLW stars.
Burton will step up to the full-time “regional talent operations lead” role having been the NAB League club’s football operations manager for the past three years.
Experience in player analysis and recruiting at Richmond and Werribee will be critical in the position and Burton can’t wait to get started.
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“It’s a place I’ve grown very fond of, so to be able to lead that, I’m very excited,” he said.
“It was something that I’d always had as an aspiration … I feel really lucky to be in the role and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.
“I’d hardly call it work, we’re in such a wonderful position to see so many talented footballers.
“Having played a small part in some of the footballers that have come through our pathway over the last couple of years, I’m looking forward to continuing to bring through the next crop of girls and boys.
“The opportunity to go out and find the next great footballers in our region and help them grow into not just great players but great people is a challenge I’m really looking forward to.
Working closely with Cannons coach Ross Smith, Burton will oversee the boys and girls programs.
Previous boys talent manager Tom Lonergan has crossed to Geelong Falcons while girls manager Russell Humphrey has returned to coaching and will lead Broadford in the AFL Outer East.
“Ross was at Richmond when I interned there and I’m really looking forward to working with him,” Burton said.
“Tom’s done a fantastic job with this group and still has a great relationship with the boys.
“The girls have got some really talented and bright prospects … Russell’s done a wonderful job to this point and they’re a really enthusiastic group.”
The Cannons have several under-18s boys in line to be drafted in December with Cody Brand, Josh Eyre, Campbell Edwardes and Matt Allison invited to the AFL Draft Combine and Jackson Cardillo an AFL Academy member.
Next season also looks promising for the Cannons with exciting AFLW prospect Georgie Prespakis and Tahlia Gillard coming through the ranks and Noah Candotti, Josh Goater, Jack Newitt and Zac Taylor among the leading boys prospects.