Hawthorn superstar Shaun Burgoyne last week commenced his 19th AFL pre-season, would you believe?
He is a player who in his time at Port Adelaide, dreaded the summer months.
He made a habit of finishing down the back whenever there was a time trial, a running activity or any aerobic exercise. He was always last.
Burgoyne is the most popular player in the AFL right now and it’s not uncommon for him to be cheered on by even the most savage opposition supporters as they marvel at his brilliance.
He has a remarkable 358 games to his name and is on track to this year break Adam Goodes’ Indigenous games record of 372 AFL games.
At 36 years of age, Burgoyne survived the cut from savage master coach Alastair Clarkson, who in recent years has axed several Hawthorn premiership heroes including Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and of course, skipper Luke Hodge.
And he’s not even approaching this season as though it’s his last. The possibility of surpassing the magical 400-game milestone is certainly a realistic one.
Burgoyne’s biggest headache this year, is figuring out where the coach wants to play him.
Is it forward, midfield or in defence?
Port Adelaide club champion Justin Westhoff shares Burgoyne’s unique skill to be able to play across multiple positions.
Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni was named the Full-Back of the Century but was also just as damaging up the other end. By the time his career was over, Silvagni had 200 goals to his name.
Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich was famous for his heroics in the forward line but he was also an All-Australian full-back and was thrust into the midfield when required.
And Matthew Richardson and Nick Riewoldt were terrific in the latter half of their careers when roaming around and playing on the wing.
Back in the day, the legend Malcolm Blight roamed freely across the ground with the coach placing the superstar wherever there was a weakness in the line-up.
But no player in the history of the game has been as accomplished across multiple positions as Burgoyne.
He is the most versatile player in the history of the game.
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