Silk: Football, Family, Respect

Author(s): Shaun Burgoyne

SPORT

Shaun Burgoyne - inspirational footballer, leader of his people, devoted family man - is one of the most respected players in AFL history, on and off the field.


The man they call 'Silk' was the ultimate team player - versatile, highly skilled and hard at the contest, with an enviable reputation for being able to stand up in big moments.


Burgoyne is a proud Indigenous man, with a football pedigree that is a story in itself. Starting with his father's time at the Koonibba Roosters, the oldest surviving Indigenous footy club in Australia, the Burgoyne name is directly linked to Gavin Wanganeen, Eddie Betts, Graham Johncock and many other AFL stars. In his 400-plus games, Burgoyne had only two coaches. He reveals the tough love dished out by Port Adelaide coach Mark 'Choco' Williams, and the left-field techniques of legendary Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson. He shares how he changed from star midfielder to role player, a move that enabled him to overcome injuries and become one of the best impact players the game has seen.


Burgoyne's story isn't just about winning four premierships and becoming the Indigenous games record holder. He experienced the ugliness of racist taunts, from growing up in Port Lincoln to bearing witness to the fallout of Adam Goodes' public stance on racism. The way Burgoyne sees it, we can't change history but we must learn from it, and work towards reconciliation, to a position of mutual respect and understanding. This modest champion shares what he has learnt to show others what is possible when you seize opportunities, are willing to put in the work and surround yourself with the right people - family, friends, teammates, mentors - who will inspire, support and guide you every step of the way.


Born in Darwin, Shaun made his AFL debut for Port Adelaide in 2002 after being selected as pick no 12 in the 2000 National Draft. With indigenous ancestry connecting to the Kokatha (originating from the Eyre Peninsula and Ceduna), Shaun quickly established himself as an elite athlete of composure, skill and speed, winning his 1st AFL Premiership with the Power in 2004.


Selected as Vice Captain of Port Adelaide and winning selection in the 2006 All Australian side, Shaun made the dramatic and complicated move to Victoria and to heavyweight Club Hawthorn at the end of 2009.


Since 2010 Shaun has been a top 5 player for the Hawks and one of the best in the competition. Playing a variety of important positions around the ground and delivering under pressure, season after season, the Hawks narrowly lost to Sydney in the 2012 Grand Final however in 2013 Shaun was instrumental in Hawthorn's Premiership win over Fremantle.


In 2014 Shaun kicked key 2nd half goals as Hawthorn went back to back and smashed Sydney in the Grand Final - making Shaun the most capped Finals player in the AFL and a 3-time Premiership player.


In 2015, Shaun was appointed Captain of the Indigenous All Stars.


Product Information

General Fields

  • : 9781460753088
  • : HarperCollins Publishers Australia
  • : HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
  • : 0.632
  • : September 2021
  • : 3.4 Centimeters X 16.5 Centimeters X 24.1 Centimeters
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Shaun Burgoyne
  • : Hardback
  • : 2110
  • : English
  • : 352