FOUR-TIME AFL premiership champion Shaun Burgoyne will return to Alberton to take up a multi-faceted off-field role with Port Adelaide.

Burgoyne’s new role will involve player development and mentoring, corporate and government relations and the club’s industry leading Aboriginal Programs.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said the club was delighted to welcome Burgoyne and his family back to the Club.

“Shaun’s career as a player started at Port Adelaide in the SANFL and of course he was a member of our first AFL Premiership team in 2004. He’s gone on to have an incredible career at Hawthorn and ironically he played his 400^th AFL game against Port Adelaide earlier this year. I know everyone at Port Adelaide is very proud of Shaun and his journey and we are thrilled that he has decided to start the next phase of his life with his family back here at Port Adelaide,” Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson explained Burgoyne’s new position at the club would be diverse.

“Shaun will play an important role within our football department. Part of his role will be in football operations where Shaun will assist with list management and provide mentoring and leadership for our entire playing group.

“Through a community liaison role, Shaun will also play an important role with key stakeholders including club commercial partners and government relations. 

“And we look forward to having Shaun as our Indigenous Liaison Officer and involved in our industry-leading Aboriginal Programs, including the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup.

“We are proud to welcome Shaun, Amy, Nixie, Leni, Ky and Percy back to the Port Adelaide family.”

Burgoyne said he and his family were very excited to return to Adelaide to start the next chapter of their lives.

“As a family we are all thrilled to be returning home to Adelaide. Amy and I are both originally from Adelaide so we have plenty of family and friends that will provide great support to us,” Burgoyne said.

“I grew up at Port Adelaide, progressed from Mallee Park in Port Lincoln through the juniors with the Magpies at SANFL level and was fortunate enough to win an AFL Premiership for Port Adelaide, so this club means a lot to me, and also to my family.

“The club is in a great position both on and off the field. It is stable, has great leadership and has a playing list that will ensure sustained success for many years to come. It is clear that the club is totally united and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Burgoyne will commence his new role at Port Adelaide on November 1.