The oldest active AFL player, Shaun Burgoyne now knows Father Time on a first-name basis. The former Power stalwart produced his lowest disposal average since 2004, playing a variety of roles mostly starting in defence with the odd swing into the middle when the Hawks need grunt... which happened all the more frequently in 2019 as the midfield lost soldiers. The 2020 season is likely to be the Hawk's last, following a record-breaking career which was capped by surpassing Adam Goodes as the most games played by an indigenous player in 2019. Expect the decline in production to continue as he sails slowly into the west and lets others carry the burden, meaning that Burgoyne is unlikely to warrant fantasy interest.
Junior now elderly
The oldest active AFL player, Shaun Burgoyne now knows Father Time on a first-name basis. The former Power stalwart produced his lowest disposal average since 2004, playing a variety of roles mostly starting in defence with the odd swing into the middle when the Hawks need grunt... which happened all the more frequently in 2019 as the midfield lost soldiers. The 2020 season is likely to be the Hawk's last, following a record-breaking career which was capped by surpassing Adam Goodes as the most games played by an indigenous player in 2019. Expect the decline in production to continue as he sails slowly into the west and lets others carry the burden, meaning that Burgoyne is unlikely to warrant fantasy interest.
Silk ages like fine wine
The former Port Adelaide star will play his 10th season of football for the Hawks, proving a return on investment few imagined as the deal was agreed upon. Having spent periods on ball, at half back and positioned on the wing during the 2018 season, Shaun Burgoyne continued to be coach Alastair Clarkson’s Mr Fixit. Managing to play all home and away matches from 2014-17, the four-time premiership player succumbed to two left hamstring injuries in 2018, a sign of his veteran status. Predicting where Burgoyne is positioned during the preseason is an exercise in futility. With recovery increasingly difficult beyond the age of 30, it would be a rational presumption that last season’s hamstring concerns arise once more. His value may be found throughout the season in which a position may be gained, or an opportunity may arise through unforeseen circumstances. Less than useful as a midfield only option, Silk is unlikely to be worthy of selection during the draft.
The long and silky road
Shaun Burgoyne continues to keep Father Time at bay, putting together a 2017 season full of game clincher moments with his trademark calm in the chaos of battle. His repertoire was unleashed on a Friday night in round 10, kicking two clutch goals to overcome the Swans away from home. Expect to see Alastair Clarkson deploy him in positions across all regions of the ground. With a perfect durability record over the past four seasons, Burgoyne enters 2018 looking to continue on in much the same fashion. Be aware that retirement is on the horizon, and the effect that his old legs have on his fantasy scoring is yet to be clear, but do expect a natural decline in output. Selection late in a draft with the potential for a positional gain may prove to be a wise decision.
