Suns plan to chase Burgoyne for 2020

GOLD Coast has set its sights on Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne filling a Luke Hodge-type role for them next year.

The Suns’ plan is for 36year-old Burgoyne to play in 2020 and then in 2021 if his body holds up.

As part of the package to lure the four-time premiership player north they would offer him an off-field role after he finishes playing.

Burgoyne has not spoken to the Suns directly, but he is aware of their interest.

It is believed Burgoyne, who has played 370 games for Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, is keen to reach 400 games.

Suns list manager Craig Cameron yesterday confirmed the club was keen to recruit the silky playmaker.

“We’re looking at a range of options to improve our playing list and we need experienced players with good character,’’ Cameron said.

“We respect Hawthorn and we respect that Shaun is a Hawthorn player, a Hawthorn champion, but we have to improve our list and we think Shaun could be great value to our young players.

“He’s absolutely fessional and could great mentorship.’’

Other mature players the Suns could target include Geelong’s Harry Taylor, Melbourne’s Jordan Lewis and Hawks great Jarryd Roughead, who the Suns spoke to ahead of the 2019 season.

Roughead rejected

Stuart Dew’s approach.

The Hodge success has opened the door to creative veteran recruiting.

Hodge, 35, joined Brisbane in 2018 after a brilliant career at Hawthorn, a move Lions officials have described as critical to the club’s rebuild.

Similar to Hodge, if Burgoyne joined the Suns he would be required to play mainly across half-back. His ability to use the ball and his experience are seen as crucial qualities for the struggling Suns. a prosupply coach