Ahead of his 350th game this week, we take a look at the best five games Shaun Burgoyne has treated the brown and gold faithful to…
Round 21, 2010
Hawthorn vs Fremantle at University of Tasmania Stadium
37 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and four goals
Shaun Burgoyne was simply brilliant in the Hawks 116-point victory over Fremantle in Launceston. His 37 disposals represent the highest possession tally of his 349 games, while his four goals are a feat he has equalled or bettered only 12 times. Interestingly, despite being a clear best on ground choice according to any match report, the umpires did not agree, awarding him the two votes behind Luke Hodge, who had 23 disposals and a goal.
Preliminary Final, 2013
Hawthorn vs Geelong at MCG
24 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and three goals
On one of the biggest stages imaginable, Burgoyne was the difference in delivering the Hawks a five-point win and the opportunity of vying for a premiership threepeat. Against Geelong in a preliminary final and facing a 12th consecutive loss to the Kennett Curse, the game needed a hero and it came in the form of Burgoyne. Kicking three goals, including the last one of the night, Burgoyne had an impact in all areas of the ground. A week later, he won his second premiership medallion and first as a Hawk.
Grand Final, 2014
Hawthorn vs Sydney at MCG
24 disposals, four marks, four inside 50s and two goals
Of his four Grand Final appearances in a brown and gold jumper, Burgoyne’s performance in 2014 is likely the best of the bunch. Burgoyne was pivotal in setting up the Hawks’ early margin and, by the end of the game, he was able to put the cherry on top of his outstanding performance with two late goals.
Read: "I could play another year at least"
Round 17, 2016
Hawthorn vs Sydney at SCG
26 disposals, 11 tackles, 10 clearances, seven inside 50s and two goals
If there has ever been a stat line that captured Silk’s true greatness then it is perhaps this game that does it best. There is nothing that he didn’t do on this night, winning the ball, surging it forward, laying tackles and kicking goals. In another tight tussle between these two rivals, Burgoyne was able to wrench the result into his side’s favour as the Hawks narrowly prevailed by five points.
Round 10, 2017
Hawthorn vs Sydney at SCG
26 disposals, five tackles, five clearances and two goals
Sitting second-last on the ladder and facing a Swans outfit who had won their previous three games at the SCG, it’s fair to say the Hawks were the underdogs on this Friday night duel. But Burgoyne, wearing the number 67 for the Indigenous Round, was having none of it. Playing predominantly through the midfield, Burgoyne continually stepped up when he was needed, whether it was a much-needed clearance or a desperate goal. The 34-year old was awarded three Brownlow votes for his performance, as he inspired the Hawks to a famous six-point victory.
