Shaun Burgoyne is poised to break Adam Goodes’ Indigenous record of 372 games played, and the most ever by an Aboriginal AFL player, after signing on for his 18th season with the Hawks.
To date, Burgoyne has played 353 games throughout his AFL career with both the Hawks and the Power. As the oldest player in the game, he wants to prove he still has what it takes.
"I'm pretty excited to go around again," Burgoyne told the club website.
"It was another big decision and a big step, but I'm excited where the team is at and I feel I can contribute."
Since joining the Hawks in 2010, Burgoyne has become a four-time premiership player with 196 games played for the Hawks and 157 games for the Power.
Burgoyne originally signed onto the Hawks as a three-year player and has since become the go-to team member for the club and other players.
He missed seven games this season due to two hamstring strains which raised concerns about his ability to sign for another year.
Hawthorn Manager Graham Wright said they are thrilled Burgoyne will keep playing.
Football boss Graham Wright said they are thrilled Burgoyne will keep playing. (AAP) Source: AAP
"He's been an exceptional player for our footy club for a long time, and the leadership, experience and versatility he brings to our playing group is certainly not undervalued," Wright said.
"We feel he's got a lot of quality footy left in him and we're excited to see what he can produce for the remainder of the season, and again in 2019."
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Shaun is not the only one in the Burgoyne family to have basked in the spotlight. As the son of former Port Adelaide player Peter Burgoyne Snr., and little brother of former Port Adelaide player Peter Burgoyne, the family share a common history in AFL.
Burgoyne, a proud Kokatha man, grew up in Darwin where he had always been passionate about football. He loves how the sport brings people from all walks of life together and fosters a great "team atmosphere".
“Footy is pretty special for a lot of Indigenous people, it’s a game we love and it brings people together,” says Burgoyne in a press conference with Hawthorn Football Club.
Burgoyne is also passionate about seeing more Indigenous players furthering their careers in the sport. He would like for at least 10 per cent of Indigenous players to become coaches.
Currently, only 2 out of 150 coaches are Aboriginal.
The game has seen 72 Indigenous players on AFL club lists with 14 Aboriginal players having played 200 games or more.
