2004 Premiership star Peter Burgoyne’s remarkable career has been recognised with his induction into the Port Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame.
Burgoyne was elevated on Thursday night at the club’s Season Launch and Hall of Fame event in the William Magarey Room at Adelaide Oval.
After moving from the Northern Territory in 1995, Burgoyne was part of Port Adelaide’s 1996 SANFL Reserves premiership side while also playing in the league side.
As a smart, fast and skilful half forward who could also play through the midfield he was selected as part of the club’s inaugural AFL squad in 1997, while being part of the club’s 1998 SANFL premiership team.
Once he broke into the AFL line-up, he became an important contributor to the club’s success in the early 2000s, winning two pre-season premierships.
One of the better performers in the 2004 AFL premiership team, Burgoyne was equally dangerous as an attacking midfielder or small forward.
He also spent time across half back, where his distribution became a feature of his game.
A Port Adelaide Life Member who had multiple selections in the Indigenous All-Stars teams between 2003 and 2007, Burgoyne also represented South Australia in the State of Origin and Australia in the International Rules.
Among his accolades, Burgoyne was named a Legend in the Northern Territory Football Hall of Fame and was selected in the Australian Football Indigenous Team of the Century.
After following in his father Peter Burgoyne Snr’s footsteps by playing for Port Adelaide, Burgoyne’s sons Trent and Jase have also played for the club in recent years, continuing a three-generation family connection to the club.
Accepting his latest honour, he said he owed his Port Adelaide career to the late Bob Clayton, who convinced him to come to the club instead of signing for West Adelaide.
He reserved special praise for his 2004 Premiership coach Mark Williams for challenging him to be the best player he could.
Reluctant to talk about himself, he instead focussed his speech on the supporters and his family who drove him during his playing days.
“Playing at Port Adelaide, what kept me here were the supporters and the people,” Burgoyne said.
“The people of Port Adelaide are real. They love their players through thick and thin. There were a few times I could have left but I couldn’t leave the supporters.
“I really want to dedicate this honour to my mum. The last 12 months has been very hard for us. Mum has been through cancer. My dad has had enough praise over the years, but Mum was the one when we were growing up that disciplined us. She kept us in line.
“Dad was soft hearted, but Mum came from a tough upbringing… and if it wasn’t for Mum and her toughness, myself and my brother (Shaun) would probably not have got to where we are. Mum is the backbone of the family.”
After following in his father Peter Burgoyne Snr’s footsteps by playing for Port Adelaide, Burgoyne’s sons Trent and Jase have also played for the club in recent years, continuing a three-generation family connection to the club.
Peter Burgoyne
Playing career:
Games: 276 (240 AFL / 36 SANFL) 1996-2009
Goals: 225 (193 AFL / 32 SANFL)
AFL premiership player (2004)
SANFL Premiership player (1998)
AFL pre-season premiership player (2001, 2002)
Port Adelaide Football Club life member (2005)
Showdown Medal (2003)
Port Adelaide Best Finals Player (2007)
Indigenous Team of the Century (2005)
International Rules (1999, 2003)
AFL NT Hall of Fame – Legend (2012)
