Shaun Burgoyne dominates Pies, must play on in 2018

ANOTHER stunning performance from ageless star Shaun Burgoyne helped Hawthorn see off Collingwood at the MCG today — and the 300-gamer says he wants to go on in 2018.

Shaun Burgoyne was instrumental in Hawthorn’s win over Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

SHAUN Burgoyne simply must play on in 2018.

The man they call “Silk” could just about be in for a new nickname.

“Grange” would just about do it.

Sixteen years, four premierships, All-Australian honours — he’s done it all and still isn’t slowing down.

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Shaun Burgoyne was instrumental in Hawthorn’s win over Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

He doesn’t rack up astronomical numbers. He doesn’t have to.

At 34, most would be considered in the twilight of their playing career.

But in today’s twilight timeslot at the MCG against Collingwood, Burgoyne again showed some of his best work.

As for a 17th year? He’s “positive”.

“I’m still injury-free and I’m getting a kick,” he told the Herald Sun after the victory over Collingwood.

“I’m very confident that if I can maintain my form and my injury status stays good, which it has for a number of years, then I can go on.”

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They’ll sit down soon, he said, and nut things out either way.

“I’m very confident if I do choose to go on next year, that I’ll be able to fulfil my role,” Burgoyne said.

“You’re forever retired, so I’ll sit down and talk with Clarko ... between now and the end of the year and put things in concrete, whether that’s a good conversation or a bad conversation, we’ll get to it.”

Shaun Burgoyne celebrates his goal in the second quarter — always a good sign for the Hawks when he splits the middle. Picture: AAP

When the veteran goaled in the second quarter to give the Hawks a narrow buffer, the Hawks would have breathed a sigh of relief.

History was in their favour.

This season, when he kicks goals, the Hawks win.

Then there’s the direction.

Often seen to have a word to players as they take a set shot — a tap on the bum and a reassuring word — Burgoyne is the consummate confidence-booster and is just the character Alastair Clarkson must love having on hand to assist in tending the green shoots of the future.

While they take their kick, he moves inside the attacking 50 and directs traffic. He knows where they need to be. And exactly where he should, too, with his positional awareness second to none and matched only by the pinpoint precision of his boot.

Shaun Burgoyne is just timeless. Still class. #aflhawkspies

— GS (@gsmiths_s) July 2, 2017

He's played as a quality defender, midfielder, & forward. Shaun Burgoyne is one of the @AFL's most versatile players ever. #AFLHawksPies

— Erik Surjan (@planet_erik) July 2, 2017

Burton 29 possies, Howe 8 tackles, 11 marks each for Brand & Sis. The future looks ok. Just need to clone @ShaunBurgoyne9 😜#AFLHawksPies

— 😡🇨🇦 (@hawknut888) July 2, 2017

“We’ve got a role to play out there,” Burgoyne said.

“It’s good to see the young guys listening and taking it on. It’s a two-way street — they give us a lot of advice as well.”

When the game was in the balance, he was there — winning clearances and setting up scoring shots.

“Class and composure,” Geelong premiership skipper was how Cameron Ling described Burgoyne on 3AW yesterday.

There’s no deal for next year yet, with Clarkson’s end-of-year approach with older players set to remain in place this year.

“I hope it keeps on going, because he’s a ripper,” the coach said recently.

So for now, we’ll wait. But the “ripper” should be handed the pen.