After his outstanding performance against Brisbane on Sunday, Shaun Burgoyne has been named our Round 1 MVP, proudly presented by United Petroleum.

Despite being the oldest man on the field by some margin, the 37-year-old Burgoyne proved the difference as the Hawks were able to post a win in their season-opening clash.

Playing a new role for the side as a permanent forward, Burgoyne booted three goals as well as collecting 12 possessions and laying five tackles.

Following the win, the four-time premiership star said he had embraced the new task that Alastair Clarkson had handed him over the summer. 

“It’s a new role for me this year, I’ve trained there the whole pre-season with the aim of trying to spread the load up there," he said. 

“It was good to play my role and kick a few goals.”