Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne reveals the secrets to his longevity as he bids for a 17th season

METICULOUSNESS is what helps guide Shaun Burgoyne as the Hawks veteran keeps producing elite football. He tells LAUREN WOOD that he is enjoying his dual role.

METICULOUSNESS.

Those five syllables hold a far greater presence in the life of Shaun Burgoyne as the Hawks veteran keeps producing elite-level football in his 16th AFL season.

The 34-year-old remains a presence among Hawthorn’s best players on a weekly basis and says he is now willing to try just about anything to keep at the top of his game.

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Shaun Burgoyne and Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson enjoy the Round 14 win against Adelaide. Picture: AAP

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But for now, the recipe is simple.

“I feel like I’m still going strong,” Burgoyne said.

“As you get older, you pay a lot more attention with recovery, your diet, all the little things that get you up for the weekly footy.

“You’ve got to be prepared to push your body to the limits and I think as you get older you become pretty professional and get a routine. I’m willing to try anything and do anything to get my body up most weeks. Hopefully it shows on game day.”

The four-time premiership star has played every game this season, averaging almost 20 disposals.

But one crucial part of his game isn’t counted on the statistics sheet.

It’s being “an extension of the coaching staff” that Burgoyne says he’s enjoying on a number of fronts.

“It’s in our best interests to develop these young kids as quick as possible,” he said.

“And in these big games and tight situations, you’re almost an extension of the coaching staff.

“They bring the excitement to the group, and we bring the experience. We take a bit off each other and when it works, it’s really positive.”

Burgoyne, as always, was at his very best when the whips were cracking in Hawthorn’s win over Collingwood last weekend. Picture: AAP

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Over the last fortnight, it has worked.

Wins over the Crows in Adelaide and Collingwood at the MCG have the Hawks 13th and two games shy of the eight ahead of Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney in Launceston.

They overcame the “mental challenge” last week, Burgoyne said, with another awaiting in the Giants.

.@ShaunBurgoyne9 you ⭐️! #AFLDeesHawks pic.twitter.com/rTIoMxaUlb

— AFL on 7 (@7AFL) May 7, 2017

“This year, so far, when we’ve won, we’ve normally backed up the following week and we’ve lost,” he said.

“That was the challenge for us (last) week — to back that up. And we did that, even though Collingwood came hard through the game (last week), it was good to see the boys hold their nerve.

“If we execute what the coach wants, we can mix it with the best teams.”

Way back when: Shaun Burgoyne as a Power pup back in 2001...

...And, as a hardened Hawk in 2017. Picture: AAP

Burgoyne — who is currently uncontracted for next season — told the Herald Sun last week that he was confident that if he could maintain his form, he could play again in 2018.

He might be willing to “try anything” to get himself there, but there’s nothing too weird required as part of his recovery or readiness routine. Yet.

His four kids — Percy, Leni, Ky and Nixie Blue — assist their Dad’s longevity in their own way.

Can never forget @ShaunBurgoyne9 Mr Silk breaks through a pack to kick a goal for @PAFC \ in the 2004 AFL Grand Final #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/1lBBRscaAY

— Ilias Mav (@IliasMavromatis) June 3, 2017

“Not really — good diet, plenty of sleep,” he smiles.

“I’ve got four kids at home and whenever they’re happy, I’m happy. We keep the stress to the minimum.

“It’s just about staying healthy, really. The good thing about my kids is they keep me mentally fresh, so I come home and don’t talk much footy.”