Emerging Hawthorn star Ryan Burton says he couldn't be happier at Hawthorn and wants to repay the faith the Hawks showed him in the 2015 national draft and by this year handing him the revered No.5 guernsey.

Burton has morphed into one of the AFL's premier young defenders this year, having begun the pre-season campaign in his customary role up forward.

Hawthorn's Ryan Burton is a key part of the club's defensive plans in the future. Credit:Getty Images

His ability to read the play, intercept and attack has him as one of the favourites to claim the Rising Star award.

The South Australian has twice had the better of Crows skipper Taylor Walker, including a Rising Star nomination for his 26 disposals and nine marks in round two. He again had the better of Walker last week in the Hawks' shock win in Adelaide.