Playing mostly off half back, Burgoyne provided great leadership and composure to a defence that at times, early in the season was under siege.
He showed his versatility throughout the year too, with Alastair Clarkson using Burgoyne in a variety of roles, be it up forward, in the midfield or in his usual post on the half backline.
His best performances in the early part of the season were in the two matches in which Hawthorn suffered shock losses to Sydney in Round 5 and Richmond in Round 9.
In those games, Burgoyne illustrated why the Hawks picked him up from the Power at the conclusion of the 2009 season - he has the ability to perform well under immense pressure and provide leadership when required.
In those two matches, Burgoyne gathered 26 disposals in each. In both matches too, Clarkson turned to the utility to provide the Hawks with a spark in the midfield.
The Hawks were convincingly beaten in the midfield in both games, and Clarkson knew it was Burgoyne who had the ability to turn the game with his nous around stoppages and classy skill set.
But, he saved his best performance for the top of the table clash against Sydney in Round 22.
In that game, Clarkson again turned to Burgoyne for inspiration when Hawthorn fell 38 points behind the Swans.
As he always does, Burgoyne delivered in spades, with arguably his performance in a Hawthorn jumper since his debut match in the brown and gold in 2010.
He gathered 26 disposals, had seven clearances and kicked three goals.
In that game, Burgoyne won praise from his coach, his teammates, his Club and his fans for his ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and influence it in a way not many could.
At 30 years of age, Burgoyne is one of Hawthorn’s most experienced players and when called upon, never lets his side down.
His finals series was good too, providing his teammates with customary leadership both on the field and off it in terms of the preparation levels expected for a finals series and his positive attitude towards hard work.
That leadership was best displayed in the Preliminary Final when Clarkson again, for not the first time in 2012 turned to Burgoyne to get the Hawks over the line.
A clearance specialist, Burgoyne was thrown into the midfield in the dying stages as Hawthorn fell behind. The Hawks needed the clearance, and Burgoyne delivered.
He won the clearance, broke away from the congestion and delivered to Cyril Rioli who put the Hawks back in front.
His performance in the Grand Final was excellent too, with 21 disposals and 10 tackles.
In every big game of 2012, Burgoyne rose to the occasion. He remains one of the Club’s most consistent and reliable performers and a key component in the Hawthorn game style with his versatility and ability to adapt to any role given to him by his coach.
He has re-signed with the Club and is showing no signs of slowing down.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 24 | 10.3 | 7.6 | 17.8 | 79 | 7.2 | 10.4 | 3.5 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 79 |
Burgoyne celebrates kicking the winning goal against the Swans in Round 22.
Burgoyne in the news in 2012
Burgoyne inks deal Burgoyne eyes next step No doubt for Burgoyne Proud Burgoyne acknowledges pastVideos featuring Burgoyne in 2012
Burgoyne bursts through Rnd3 Report: BurgoyneHow did you rate Burgoyne's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
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2012 Player Review
