The GIANTS are excited to announce a new addition to their coaching stocks for the 2027 AFL season, with former Port Adelaide and Hawthorn defender Ryan Burton joining the club as a Development Coach.
With 162 games of AFL experience as a player to his name, Burton now joins Adam Kingsley’s coaching group where he’ll work closely with the GIANTS’ talented young list.
Originally drafted by Hawthorn with pick 19 in the 2015 AFL Draft, Burton went on to play 47 games for the Hawks across three seasons before being traded to Port Adelaide where he quickly became a regular in Ken Hinkley’s side, playing 115 games over seven seasons at the Power between 2019-2025.
Burton now joins the GIANTS fresh off a season playing with the Southport Sharks in the VFL in 2026.
Burton is the second addition to the club’s coaching ranks ahead of the 2027 season, with Adam Read joining the club as an Assistant Coach following 19 years with Fremantle.
“Having the chance to begin my coaching career at a club like the GIANTS is incredibly exciting to me,” Burton said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work within a terrific football program, alongside some highly talented coaches and players.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in football as a player at Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and most recently Southport in the VFL, but I’m keen to now begin the next phase of my career as a coach.
“I’m excited to head to Sydney and get started.”
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Burton would be a great addition to the club.
“Ryan brings a wealth of experience from his time in the AFL and we’re really pleased to have him joining our coaching group for 2027,” McCartney said.
“He’s played a lot of football at a high level, across two clubs, and has a really strong understanding of what it takes to succeed at AFL level.
“We’ve got a talented young group coming through and Ryan’s experience will be invaluable as we look to continue developing those players to get them ready to not only play AFL football, but to perform at a high level.
“Ryan’s skillset and his ability to connect with people are traits we feel are going to make him a really exciting addition to our coaching group.”
