New fitness coach Cam Falloon identified the vice-captain as one of his pet projects upon arriving at Alberton and Burgoyne said Falloon had followed through with his promise.
“Cam’s definitely flogged me this pre-season … I’ve done a lot of extra running,” Burgoyne said.
“He wants to get the best out of me and I would like that too ... Only time will tell whether all the work pays off, so when the season comes around we’ll see how well I’m running out games.
“When you play well, it comes back to fitness and how hard you work. I’ve definitely done the kilometres this pre-season along with all the other Power players.”
Falloon even went as far as to organise one-on-one sessions with the dynamic All-Australian.
“I came back from the Christmas break and did a few sessions with Cam over consecutive days because I was told I wouldn’t be doing the main conditioning session or time trial that week,” Burgoyne said.
“I trained pretty hard for three or four days leading up to the first day back and then Cam told me five minutes before the run that I was going to be doing it after all.
“It was a bit of a surprise, but he wanted me to tough it out and get over the line, which I did.”
The 148-game veteran required injections for an ankle injury last season and was also forced to deal with an ongoing bout of hamstring tendonitis.
But Burgoyne still managed to play 19 games including the prestigious Dream Team match against Victoria.
He’s been on a modified program for much of the summer in a bid to try and eradicate the hamstring injury once and for all.
“The hamstring problem is ongoing, so it’s more of a management issue. It takes up to a month to fully get rid of it, but as long as you keep up with your weights and your program it gets better,” he said.
“I’ve had it for over a year now and it’s feeling a lot better now than it was. Hopefully, by round one it will be all gone.”
Burgoyne averaged 20 possessions and over a goal a game in 2008, playing through the midfield and across half-forward. The game-breaking midfielder was the recipient of heavy tags most weeks, but should receive more support from the likes of Steve Salopek, Chad Cornes, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett and hard man Josh Carr this season.
“One of the things we missed last year was having a tough player and Josh brings that to the team, so he’s going to be a benefit to me, personally, and also the team,” he said.
“His teammates and the opposition feel his presence and he’s fitted in nicely. I would expect him to be in our leadership group because he has all the qualities and I can’t wait to get out there with him.”
