Rome Burgoyne played three games for the Magpies in 2024. Image: Matt Sampson.

Port Adelaide has signed Rome Burgoyne to play for its SANFL side in 2025. 

Under the SANFL’s new rules for AFL clubs, Port Adelaide can sign up to six local players from other clubs aged 21 or under, as part of a talent development list. 

Burgoyne, brother of current player Jase and son of premiership player Peter, joins the club from Woodville-West Torrens, where he played 10 under 18s games in 2024.  

He averaged 22.9 disposals and 3.6 marks for the Eagles this year, and had a standout winning grand final game with 27 disposals, six clearances and nine rebound 50s. 

The 18-year-old also had the chance to play three games for Port Adelaide, where he looked comfortable at league level. 

Burgoyne looked comfortable during his stint in the Magpies in 2024. Image: Brandon Hancock.

“Rome has proven to be an incredibly coachable and reliable young player at league level,” Port Adelaide’s Head of SANFL Paul Stewart said. 

“He shows great ability to take on feedback and implement it quickly into his game, and he has a natural ability to put himself into strong positions and is good in the contest.  

“His ground level defensive mentality is at a great level already for a young player and he sets up the ground well offensively. 

“Justin Westhoff and Jason Williams have done some fantastic work with Rome through our Father-Son Academy this year, and we are thankful to Woodville-West Torrens for the time they have put in to develop him, and how they are supporting him with this transition.” 

Burgoyne has also trained with the AFL side on occasion this year. Image: Matt Sampson.

After being overlooked in the recent national draft, Burgoyne was looking forward to making his mark at Alberton. 

“I really enjoyed my three games with Port Adelaide this year and am keen to join them for the 2025 season. 

“It’s cool to be training alongside my brother, and to play at the club that both he and my dad have played at.  

“I’m excited to keep developing in a SANFL system within an AFL club.” 

Burgoyne joins former Gold Coast and Central District player Jez McLennan and fellow father-son Oli Francou in being signed to Port Adelaide since the SANFL introduced its new list guidelines.  

Rome Burgoyne 
DOB: 29 August 2006 
Height: 182cm 
Position: Defender 
SANFL club: Woodville-West Torrens 
Community club: Port District