IN-DEMAND AFL great Shaun Burgoyne will return to Port Adelaide in several off-field roles, including Indigenous liaison.

The four-time premiership star retired last month and played 407 games, third on the league's all-time list and the most by an Indigenous player.

Several clubs were reportedly keen to recruit Burgoyne, a much-respected figure in the game.

But he and his family are going full circle, returning to their home city and the club where Burgoyne started his outstanding playing career.

It is timely good news for Port ahead of Saturday night's preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs.

"This club means a lot to me, and also to my family," he said in a club statement.

"The club is in a great position both on and off the field.

"It is stable, has great leadership and has a playing list that will ensure sustained success for many years to come.

"It is clear that the club is totally united and I can't wait to be part of it."

Burgoyne will work in player development and mentoring, plus corporate and government relations, and will be Port's Indigenous liaison officer.

He played in Port's 2004 premiership team and after 157 games at the Power, transferred to Hawthorn in late 2009.

Burgoyne, 38, overcame a knee injury to be a crucial member of the Hawks' 2013-15 premiership threepeat and played 250 games for them.