Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne has confirmed he will retire at season’s end following an incredibly decorated career that has spanned over 21 seasons.

Burgoyne told teammates of his intentions to hang up the boots on Thursday, with the Hawks Round 23 match-up with Richmond set to be his 407^th and final game.

Early last month, the man affectionately known across the football community as ‘Silk’ became the fifth player in VFL/AFL history to reach the 400-game milestone.

It was the crowning moment in a career that has also featured four premierships – three in the brown and gold and one with Port Adelaide – an All Australian honour and the all-time Indigenous games record tally.

Burgoyne joined Hawthorn ahead of the 2010 season, following 157 games over nine seasons with the Power.

His name and his career have so often been synonymous with success, with only Hawthorn’s Michael Tuck (39 finals) appearing in more finals games than his 35.

Head of Football Rob McCartney said Burgoyne had been an incredible custodian of the brown and gold, with his influence both on and off field comparable to any other in the game’s history.

“I know I speak on behalf of anyone and everyone that has crossed paths with Shaun over his football journey in saying that it has been an honour to work alongside a man of his character and skill,” McCartney said.

“He is the epitome of what we value at Hawthorn, with his immense commitment to family values whilst also possessing a relentlessness to constantly strive to get the best out of himself as well as those around him.

“He is an incredible father and husband and on behalf of the Hawthorn Football Club, I would like to wish Shaun, Amy and their four kids Ky, Leni, Percy and Nixie all the best in the next chapter of their lives.”