The AFL congratulates Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne after announcing his retirement from AFL football, following a 407-game career spanning 19 seasons.
After eleven seasons with the Hawthorn Football Club, following nine seasons at Port Adelaide, Burgoyne will end his AFL career having played 407 games – the most of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander player in AFL history.
Burgoyne made his debut in 2002 after being selected at pick 12 in the 2000 National Draft. He played 157 games with Port Adelaide before his move to Hawthorn and, in his 19th season of AFL football, Shaun Burgoyne continued to prove to be one of the club’s most valuable players.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan praised Burgoyne for his highly decorated career.
“There aren’t many footballers with as many career highlights as Shaun Burgoyne,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Shaun’s impact on the field has been extraordinary. A four-time Premiership player, a member of the illustrious 400 game club and our Indigenous games record holder, Shaun’s contribution to our game has been monumental.
“On behalf of the AFL, “I would like to wish Shaun and his family – his wife Amy, and their four children Ky, Leni, Percy and Nixie – all the best in his retirement.”
AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch highlighted Burgoyne’s impact on Australian Rules Football across all levels of the game.
“For Shaun and our competition, his achievements highlight the significant contribution of all former and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and contributors to the game,” Ms Hosch said.
“We hope that Shaun’s career can inspire everyone in our game, and that younger players of the game – at any level – take inspiration from Shaun’s playing record, leadership and his humility off the field.
“Our code has seen incredible contributions from many talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, and Shaun has remained an integral member of that group throughout his AFL career. I can’t wait to see what Shaun will do next’.
Shaun Burgoyne’s on field achievements:
Most games played by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in VFL/AFL History
Most games played in VFL/AFL History: Third (406*)
Most finals played in AFL History: 2nd to Michael Tuck (39) with 35 games
Most premierships by current players: Equal 1st with Grant Birchall on four Premierships
Most premierships by current Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander players: Equal 1st with Cyril Rioli on four Premierships