Brett ‘Birdman’ Burton was one of the most exciting players to ever don the tri-colours.

Taken by Adelaide with selection No.16 in the 1998 AFL National Draft, the enigmatic forward made his AFL debut for the Crows in Round One the following year.

Possessing great athleticism, an uncanny goal sense and a reputation as one of the fittest players of his time, Burton quickly became a favourite of Crows fans and coaching staff alike.

But it was Burton’s freakish ability in the air that remains his legacy from his 12-year career at West Lakes.

Burton always appeared to be just one leap away from taking Mark of the Year in all 177 of his AFL appearances with the Crows. The human highlight reel could seemingly pluck hangers at will, but the elusive title always seemed to be just out of reach of the ‘Birdman’.

That was until ‘on this day’ in Round 22, 2009, when Burton almost blew the roof off of Etihad Stadium.

Click the image at the top of the story to relive Brett Burton’s huge hanger.

Adelaide was well in control against Carlton as the Crows were eager to cement a home elimination final the following weekend.

With five minutes remaining in the third term, Burton took to the skies at right half-forward over ruckmen Kurt Tippett and Matthew Kreuzer.

As always, Burton’s timing was impeccable. ‘Birdman’ received a secondary lift off of the back of the duelling ruckmen and soared towards the heavens, with commentator Dwayne Russell describing it as ‘mark of the century’. Blues defender Bret Thornton even helped cushion Burton’s ride back down to Earth just for good measure.

Incredibly, it was just Burton’s fifth game back from a knee reconstruction which had sidelined the popular goalkicker since Round 15 of the previous season.

Burton’s effort saw him finally join Tony Modra and Ben Hart as the third Crow to be crowned an AFL Mark of the Year winner.