Classy utility Shaun Burgoyne will extend his AFL career into a 17th season after re-signing with Hawthorn for 2018.
The 34-year-old has put pen to paper on another one-year deal after playing every game of the 2017 season.
In Round 23, Burgoyne surpassed Andrew McLeod to play the second most games of any indigenous player in the history of the game.
Burgoyne has played 339 since debuting in 2002. He notched up 157 games in the black and teal for Port Adelaide, before crossing to Hawthorn at the end of 2009 and piling on a further 184 AFL outings (including the last 105 consecutive rounds).
The Hawthorn veteran has showed no signs of slowing down, averaging 20.35 disposals (the fourth best season average in his career) and 3.95 tackles a game in 2017.
Hawthorn Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright says the club is rapt that Burgoyne will again don the brown and gold in 2018.
“Shaun is a great of our game and despite being 34 years old he continues to back up and perform each week,” said Wright.
“The leadership and experience Shaun brings to the group is invaluable and we are rapt that he has signed on for another year.
“With so many young players now getting their opportunities at AFL level, the guidance and mentorship that Shaun provides is pivotal to their development.
“He’s played 105 consecutive games to date and we look forward to seeing plenty more in the brown and gold.”
