Brett Burton’s bid to play again this season is over.

Burton, who earlier this season announced that he would retire at the end of 2010, has today received scan results showing his ankle is not healing as expected.

“When I announced my retirement mid-season, I said that I was committed to training hard and getting back to full fitness so I could come back and perform for the Adelaide Football Club again,” Burton said.

“While I have been setting high standards in my training since then, unfortunately the ankle injury I sustained six weeks ago has prevented me from playing again.

“I would like to thank all those supporters who have supported me during my career and look forward to seeing you at our round 22 game against St Kilda.

“I would also like to thank my wife Jane, my parents Gary and Karen and siblings Ty and Tanya for their continued support throughout my career.” 

Burton, 33, played six AFL games this season for a total of 177. He was drafted from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens in 1998 and made his debut the following year. The Club’s leading goalkicker in 2002 and 2008, Burton kicked 264 goals for the Crows.