By David Nagel

Four-time AFL premiership player Shaun Burgoyne will pull on the black and white stripes of Dalyston after the Magpies selected the champion with pick four in the inaugural ‘The Carlton Draft’ last Wednesday night.

Burgoyne will play for the Magpies against Garfield on Saturday 11 June in a great boost for the club at the mid-way point of the season.

The Magpies were selected as one of eight local footy clubs – from over 500 entries – to be a part of the inaugural The Carlton Draft, where eight retired AFL legends will come out of retirement for one unforgettable match.

Joining Burgoyne on the list were former AFL stars Jarryd Roughead, Eddie Betts, Dale Thomas, Nathan Jones, Brendon Goddard, Alex Rance and Cam Mooney.

The Carlton Draft was broadcast live at 8.30pm on FOX FOOTY in a light-hearted format hosted by Sarah Jones, Brad Johnson and Kevin Sheehan.

Former Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown was acting commissioner for the night, with Port Arlington holding the number-one pick and selecting former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones.

Dalyston had the fourth pick, after Eddie Betts and Cameron Mooney went at picks two and three to Branxholme-Wallacedale and Longwood respectively.

Players were selected in the following order:

1. Port Arlington: Nathan Jones
2. Branxholme Wallacedale: Eddie Betts
3. Longwood: Cameron Mooney
4. Dalyston: Shaun Burgoyne
5. Gormandale: Jarryd Roughead
6. Campbells Creek: Alex Rance
7. North Wangaratta: Brendon Goddard
8. Nhill & District Sporting Club: Dale Thomas

Burgoyne, who won a premiership with Port Adelaide in 2004 and three with Hawthorn in 2013, ’14 and ’15, is one of only five players to have played 400 VFL/AFL games.

‘Silk’ sits third on the list of champions with 407 games, behind Brent Harvey 432 and Michael Tuck 426, with Kevin Bartlett 403 and Dustin Fletcher 400 hot on his tail.

The now 39-year-old debuted with the Power in 2002 and played 157 games at the club before playing 250 with Hawthorn.

“I’m looking forward to playing my 408th game and it’s going to be a really nervous one for me,” Burgoyne said with a smile after being drafted.

“No, I don’t know how to get there (Dalyston) but I’m looking forward to getting back into the country and being with the locals.”

The Carlton Draft was designed to help local clubs get back on their feet after the toughest period in recent memory, bringing together Victorian communities and encouraging them to come and support local footy.

Head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh, said The Carlton Draft was a timely boost for community football.

“Community football is the lifeblood of our game and ensuring local clubs and leagues bounce back after two incredibly challenging years for grassroots sport in our state is a major focus in 2022,” Kavenagh said.

“I would like to thank Carlton Draught for backing community football in such a significant way, at a time when support for players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and the clubs they’re part of has never been more important.

“What a fantastic response with hundreds of community football clubs entering the competition, which shows how much football means to so many Victorians.”

Carlton Draught Marketing Manager, Zac Gelman, is also excited by the concept.

“We would like to thank all clubs that took the time to nominate for The Carlton Draft and congratulate the lucky eight clubs that have been selected,” Gelman said.

“To successfully launch The Carlton Draft and to receive over 500 entries shows how excited communities are to watch local footy bounce back with a Carlton Draught in hand.

“The selected clubs have unfortunately been struggling, like so many clubs over the last couple of years, and we can’t wait for The Carlton Draft to help them get back on their feet.”

Shaun Burgoyne of Hawthorn (left) and Shane McAdam of the Adelaide Crows in action during the Round 6 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and Adelaide Crows at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston, Sunday, April 25, 2021. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Location

Dalyston VIC 3992, Australia