Hawthorn veteran Shaun “Silk” Burgoyne is set to play his 350th game of AFL against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.
Burgoyne will become just the 16th player in the game’s history to reach the impressive milestone.
After being taken by Port Adelaide with the 12th pick in the 2000 AFL National Draft, the South Australian made his debut in 2002 as a small forward before settling into a role as a rebounding defender.
Burgoyne’s versatility and skill shown in his debut season earned him a Rising Star nomination in Round 13 against the Bulldogs after an impressive six goal performance.
His achievements at Alberton Oval included winning his first premiership medallion in 2004 and being named in the All Australian side in 2006.
At the end of the 2009 season, Burgoyne decided to make the move to Hawthorn.
Hawks fans quickly fell in love with ‘Silk’ for his ability to play in every position, his love for the big occasion and, of course, his silky skills.
A highly respected player amongst his teammates, supporters and the wider AFL community, Burgoyne was appointed captain of the victorious Australian International Rules team last November.
A pillar of consistency and endurance, the man dubbed Hawthorn’s ‘Mr Fix It’ managed 107 consecutive games before briefly injurying his hamstring earlier this year.
At 35 years of age, Burgoyne is showing no signs of slowing down, epitomised by his performance in the Hawks’ most recent game against Port Adelaide where he gathered 26 disposals (16 contested), eight clearances, six marks and a goal.
He has now played 192 games in the brown and gold, winning three flags across the premiership threepeat and affirming his reputation as one of the supreme talents of the competition.
To purchase tickets for the Round 13 clash against Adelaide, click here.
