Beginning his AFL career with the inaugural Port Adelaide side to enter the AFL, Burgoyne became well regarded for his performance as an attacking midfielder. He was selected from the Port Adelaide side in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) in their changeover from the SANFL to the AFL.
Success
Honours include being selected as part of the International rules series in 1999 and was a vital part of Port's premiership side of 2004. Burgoyne was also named in the Indigenous Team of the Century. Despite being selected for and representing South Australia in the final State of Origin game against Victoria in 1999, Burgoyne was not technically eligible under the existing rules, having resided in the Northern Territory and not South Australia for the majority of his life between the ages of 10 and 17.
Twilight career
In 2007 Burgoyne made a highly successful transition to the half back flank, following an injury-riddled 2006 in his usual midfield role, and finished third in the club's Best and Fairest count. His finals series was also acknowledged with the Power's 'Best Finals Player' award.
Retirement
Burgoyne retired at the end of the 2009 season. He and team-mate Brendon Lade, the last remaining members of Port Adelaide's inaugural AFL team, both played their final games in round 22, 2009.
