Shaun Burgoyne couldn’t escape the “romantic” notion when making the decision to return to Port Adelaide in a wide-ranging off-field role.
Burgoyne began his career at Port Adelaide as a 15-year-old, playing for the Magpies in the SANFL before going on to win an AFL premiership in 2004 during his 157 games in the teal and black.
The 407-gamer was always going to come back to South Australia, but wasn’t sure which of the two clubs he would take up a position with.
“I had a couple of conversations with Nicksy (Matthew Nicks), Adam (Kelly) and Tim (Silvers) and they put forward a really good role and offer towards me at the same time Port Adelaide did,” Burgoyne told Kymbo and the Rooch on SEN SA.
“It was a really good opportunity to speak with them (Adelaide) and they were nothing but professional and honest and I could see from what they had to say to me that they’re really on the way up and they had a really good vision.
“I couldn’t be more complimentary towards Adelaide, but I chose Port and probably the romantic side of being there from 15 years old at the Port Adelaide Magpies (sold me).
“That probably pushed me over in the end and just the romantic side of going back to where I started and the role and everything else was just perfect heading into the future.”
Burgoyne explained what his multi-faceted off-field role at the Power entails.
“There’s a few different things in there, obviously the Indigenous liaison officer to help develop and mentor those guys,” Burgoyne said.
“Obviously having a role in the leadership group as well potentially and If I can help in that area for those guys, then I’ll be happy to.
“Corporate and government relations as well … just helping along those lines and also dealing with key stakeholders and their sponsors.
“Then a little bit of list management as well alongside Jason Cripps and learning off him. There’s a lot in it, I don’t know if I’m going to get my head around it straight away.”
Burgoyne will commence his new role on November 1.