IT has been 12 years since two Burgoynes graced the hallowed turf at Alberton Oval but for a week of pre-season training the Burgoyne brothers were back – Trent and Jase that is.
2019 rookie Trent Burgoyne has just completed his first year on the Port Adelaide list but his brother Jase is also a good chance to be drafted at the end of this year.
Jase, a member of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy as a father-son prospect, was invited to train with the AFL squad at Alberton last week.
The 17-year-old Woodville-West Torrens half back is in rehabilitation for a knee injury but enjoyed being part of the professional environment and having his brother there with him.
“It was good to have Trent around. He gave me a ride to training on the first day and checked in on me to see how I was going,” Jase told portadelaidefc.com.au after his week at the club.
“I was supposed to do more training but because I tore my meniscus before Christmas, I ended up having just doing some rehab – so a bit of stuff on the bike, in the pool and upper body in the gym.
“Growing up and even at the Eagles, I’m not sure I took rehab that seriously but it was hard work, just as hard as training and I’ll take that away from the experience.
“It was good being around an elite environment. I just realised how much I really want to be part of that in hopefully 12 months.”
Port Adelaide has first right to Jase Burgoyne under the AFL’s father-son rules. His dad Peter is a two-time premiership player (Magpies 1998; Power 2004) and played 270 games for the club, while uncle, fellow 2004 premiership star Shaun and grandfather Peter Snr also represented the club.
After an impressive year in the SANFL Under 18 competition in 2020, Jase is hoping to step it up this season and play league football for the Eagles as he eyes off his AFL dream.
He expects to be back running this week and in full training within a fortnight so he can push his claims to play for the reigning SANFL premier.
“I moved up from the under 18s to the league side after last season but only got two training sessions in with the seniors before I hurt my knee,” he explained.
“I think my best position is off half back but because I’m a light frame, I could see them playing me on a wing or even at half forward, but I’ll see how I go.
“I think I’m ready for it and the goal is to make my league debut, that’s what I’m striving for this year and I just hope I get my opportunity.”
For now, Jase Burgoyne will spend a couple of weeks working with the NAB AFL Academy team along with three others from South Australia, but he expects to spend more time at Alberton as the season continues.
And, all going well, he will be there much more in 2022.
“Growing up I always supported Port, it’s always been part of my life,” the Henley High School student said.
“I know nothing is guaranteed so at the end of the day I just want an AFL chance but it would definitely be great to stay in Adelaide and play with my brother at the club where I have a strong family connection.”
