SHAUN Burgoyne has signed on for a 20th and final AFL season in 2021 that could see him reach the rare 400-game milestone.
Burgyone, 37, has played 387 games with Hawthorn and Port Adelaide in a career that began in 2002.
He played in Port Adelaide's maiden AFL premiership in 2004 and the club's losing Grand Final three years later against a rampant Geelong.
After suffering a significant knee injury during the 2009 season, he moved to Hawthorn ahead of the 2010 campaign and became an integral part of the Hawks' three-peat flag teams in 2013-15.
Burgoyne's role in 2021 will combine his playing duties with a off-field advisory role with the Hawks' development and Indigenous programs.
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Hawks football boss Graham Wright said Burgoyne remained the benchmark for professionalism at the club.
"To still be able to compete at the elite level at his age is a true testament to his determination and competitiveness," Wright said.
"While Shaun will pull on the boots again next year, both he and the club are aware that his AFL career is certainly in its twilight.
"With that in mind, we have worked together on an agreement that allows Shaun to continue playing the game he loves and contribute to the side, while also preparing him for a smooth transition into life after football."
