Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne moves closer to joining Gold Coast Suns

He’s a four-time premiership great — three of those in the brown and gold — but Hawk Shaun Burgoyne is closing in on a new deal with Gold Coast that could see him play on for some time yet.

Gold Coast is closing in on a landmark deal to secure Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne for next season.

Burgoyne, 36, is weighing up the opportunity to join the Suns on a three or four-year playing and coaching contract to help nurture the club’s prodigious young talent.

Burgoyne’s manager, Ben Williams, met with Suns’ officials on Tuesday on the Gold Coast to continue negotiations about the potential move.

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Shaun Burgoyne might find himself wearing red next season. Pic: Getty Images

The four-time premiership star, who looms as one of the most important recruits in the Suns’ short history, also spent four days on the Queensland coast last week.

He is a key plank in the Suns’ recruiting plans for next season which also includes Richmond free agent Brandon Ellis, who has been targeted with a long-term deal.

While Burgoyne is strongly considering the move north, it is not yet finalised as Burgoyne is weighing up his family’s preferences and the challenges of moving his children north.

Hawthorn also remains keen to keep the 376-gamer at the club in a playing role for next season.

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But the offer at Gold Coast is more lucrative and offers more security including the coaching aspect.

Burgoyne is one of the most respected players in the league and beloved figures at Hawthorn, making his departure a difficult and somewhat emotional call.

But he could also play a significant role helping shape the future of the Suns as the club attempts to retain some of its prized young draft picks and finally climb up the ladder.

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The Suns are eager to land Burgoyne in a Luke Hodge-type general defensive role.

Hawthorn is also weighing up big calls on the futures of veterans Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall.

While Puopolo is less likely to remain at Waverley in 2020, the Hawks are seriously considering extending Birchall’s contract for next season.

Birchall’s polish off half back remains critical to the Hawks’ game plan but a late-season hamstring injury clouded the situation.