Two minutes to go and the game is in the balance. The Hawks need something; a goal, a smother, a clearance.

Enter Shaun Burgoyne.

For the past seven years the image of Burgoyne stepping up when the game is in the balance has become a regular sight for Hawks fans.

Burgoyne seems to thrive under pressure. Like his nickname ‘Silk’ suggests, he is smooth; even in the most high-stakes situation.

“I know that once I’m told to go on ball it’s for a reason. It’s normally towards the end of the game and you want to make the most of it,” Burgoyne told AFL 360 on Tuesday night.

“You need to simplify the game in terms of what do we need to do now; Do we need to win the clearance? Do we need to get it out to a runner? Or do we actually need to kick a goal? It’s about simplifying the game and trying to play my role in the team structure.”

The ability to influence a game when it hangs in the balance has become synonymous with Burgoyne.

“I don’t want to wastetime and I don’t want tojust make up the numbers when I’m out there I really want to have an impact,” he said.

“If I get told to go on ball for five minutes, well make the most of it. Don’t just float around or go up forward and just float around, really have an impact.”

There is no doubt that on Friday night when Burgoyne takes to the field for game 300 he’s focus will be no different; play your role and have an impact.