Out of contract Port Adelaide young gun Jase Burgoyne doesn’t want to leave Alberton

Rival clubs are keeping tabs on Jase Burgoyne because he has yet to start meaningful contract talks with the Power – but don’t expect the club’s best player on Thursday night to go anywhere.

Jase Burgoyne wants to stay at Port Adelaide and the Power expects to keep him, quashing rival clubs’ hopes of landing the son of a gun.

Teams are reportedly keeping a close watch on Burgoyne, who is out of contract at season’s end and has yet to open meaningful contract discussions with Port.

But fresh off another starring performance, the 21-year-old expressed his love for the club where his dad, Peter, was a Hall of Famer, saying “there’s nothing really to worry about” with talks likely to start soon.

“I’ve had a brief conversation with my manager and he’s said whenever I feel comfortable doing it,” Burgoyne told this masthead.

“I’m sure it will be pretty soon though.

“I’d love to (stay at Alberton).

“They gave me the chance to live out my boyhood dream.

“I’ve loved being at the club, going into my fourth year now.”

Jase Burgoyne after the 2024 semi-final. Picture: Michael Klein

Port Adelaide views Burgoyne highly, considering him one of its most consistent performers since the second half of last season.

Taken at pick 60 in the 2021 national draft, Burgoyne had a breakout 2024 that included winning the Power’s coaches award as most improved, playing 23 of 25 games and being best on ground in the semi-final win over Hawthorn.

Port wants to keep him and is optimistic an agreement will be reached relatively smoothly.

Burgoyne’s value looks to be increasing by the week.

He backed up a 32-possession, two-goal game against Richmond by being one of Port’s best in the 12-point loss to Essendon, lining up at half-back like he did in the semi-final.

Burgoyne recorded 27 disposals, 10 marks and eight intercept possessions on Thursday night while being one of just three players to not come off the ground.

His composure in a game so many others fumbled or shanked kicks was reflected in his disposal efficiency of 96 per cent.

“I think I’ve always been pretty composed, even through juniors,” said Burgoyne, whose dad and uncle, Shaun, played in the Power’s 2004 premiership.

“When I get the ball, I don’t feel too rushed, I take my time and make my decision.

“It’s a weapon of mine and that’s why they trust me with the ball in hand, but I’m just doing my thing for the team.

“It’s probably instinct – you can’t really teach it – and probably my genes as well.”

Burgoyne played in defence against the Bombers to cover the absences of Lachie Jones (adductor) and Ryan Burton (hip).

Jones is more likely than Burton to return to face St Kilda at home next week, but no certainty.

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Burgoyne against Essendon on Thursday night. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The promising display from second-gamer Christian Moraes would give the Power some confidence Burgoyne could be a more permanent solution in its Dan Houston-less backline.

“I’m always happy to have him,” Port defence coach Tyson Goldsack said.

“He did a really good job … and used the ball really well.

“But he plays some really good games on the wing as well

“It is whatever the team needs ... and he is happy to do that.”

Originally published as Out of contract Port Adelaide young gun Jase Burgoyne doesn’t want to leave Alberton