Could Shaun Burgoyne return to Port Adelaide to end his career? It is unlikely according to former Essendon great Tim Watson.
Burgoyne has enjoyed a strong season once again despite Hawthorn’s fall down the ladder averaging 20 possessions and booting 16 goals in roles across half back and through midfield.
It is understood that the Hawks are close to offering the 34-year-old a fresh one-year contract, however some have suggested that he could follow in the footsteps of ex-teammates Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis and finish his career elsewhere before moving into coaching.
“If I was Shaun Burgoyne, my preference would be to finish my career at Hawthorn,” Watson said when asked if he could return to the Power.
“What else is attached to it? If it’s a three or four-year deal (one as a player then coaching), you might consider it.”
Burgoyne told Game Day on the Seven Network in May that he hadn't closed the door on playing into 2018.
"We'll get to the bye in a couple of weeks and we will re-assess then in terms of the rest of the year, how the team is performing, injuries, whether my own form is [still good] whether to go next year or not," he said.
"350 [games] would obviously mean I'd have to play next year but that's still a long way away."
Burgoyne, who was selected at pick 12 in the 2000 national draft, crossed to the Hawks from Port Adelaide at the end of 2009 and played a big role in their back-to-back-to-back premiership triumphs.