Skipper the inspiration for Burgoyne
Shaun Burgoyne has called on the team to follow the lead of skipper Dom Cassisi who is looking to play despite a facial injury
Cassisi suffered a depressed sinus fracture and mild concussion after clashing heads with Hawthorn’s Jordan Lewis on Sunday but has put his hand up to play in the Power’s must-win clash with Fremantle even though he might need to wear a helmet.
Earlier this season, draftee Mitch Banner suffered a more serious sinus fracture and was sidelined for five weeks.
Burgoyne said he expected the courageous Western Australian to play. “Obviously you want your captain out there playing and Dom has been one of our best players all year. Our doctors and physios are pretty qualified and well respected with their opinions [and they think he can play],” Burgoyne said on Tuesday.
“Everyone looks up to Dom pretty highly because of the way he attacks the footy. It does have an effect on the team when your captain is out there and, especially, when he’s playing at this time of the season.”
Burgoyne sat out training on Tuesday as he continues his comeback from severe bone bruising below his knee.
The Power vice-captain had just 11 possessions in his first game in more than three months against Adelaide last week, but was back to his best against Hawthorn on Sunday.
He finished with 26 possessions, six tackles and a goal in the 18-point win. Burgoyne's fine game earned him eight votes from the rival coaches in the AFLCA Crown Champion Player of the Year award.
“It was good just to float around and get a few possessions. Hopefully, I can get a bit more confidence and get up around the ball a bit more over the next week,” Burgoyne said.
“I’m pretty confident with everything I’ve done. Your first game back in a big game is going to be a little bit different, but I was happy to get through both weeks.”
Burgoyne admitted Sunday’s clash with a youthful-looking Fremantle side was a danger game for the Power.
But the All-Australian said he was confident his side could notch consecutive wins for the first time since rounds three and four.
“This is the part of the season where you want to come into your best form. I can guarantee you all the players are on edge still to come out this week and put our best foot forward again,” he said.
“We’ve got senior players in the SANFL who are trying to get back in and we’ve got younger players in the team trying to hold their spot.”
One of those senior players in the SANFL is Burgoyne’s older brother Peter.
The elder Burgoyne is out of contract at season’s end, but isn’t thinking beyond this year according to his sibling.
“I’m not too sure if Peter’s looking that far ahead [to next year]. Being my brother…I’d have him in the team. When he’s mentally switched on, fresh and wants to play footy he’s still a top-five player at this club," he said.
“We need him going well for the end of this year and hopefully he can get back in.”