Silk’s dreams for career extension

SHAUN Burgoyne wants to take his AFL career into a 17th year, saying he has the enthusiasm and form to continue.

The 34-year-old Hawthorn utility said the plan remains to wait until the end of the season and then sit down with the club to discuss his playing future.

The four-time premiership player – one at Port Adelaide and three with the Hawks – has played every game this season for a career total of 338.

“I’m feeling quite positive about potentially playing on next year,” he said. “You have to stay injury-free at my age, you have to get a kick and I’ve been able to play (a lot of) positions – that’s definitely helped my career.” While Burgoyne is one of Hawthorn’s most senior players, he is free of any formal leadership duties.

The utility nicknamed Silk for his sublime skills said not being a part of the leadership group was helping in the latter stages of his career. “I just rock up, come to training, get out and if I want to talk to Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson), I will go into his office and I will sit down and say ‘mate, I want to chat to you about something’,” he said.

“So mentally, I’m pretty good.”