Port Adelaide father-son prospect Rome Burgoyne will join the Magpies' SANFL list for the 2025 season following the competition's recent rule changes for the AFL clubs.
A member of Woodville-West Torrens' U18 premiership earlier this year, Burgoyne will move onto the Magpies' list after being overlooked in the recent draft period.
Under new changes to the SANFL's list rules for the AFL clubs, Port Adelaide and Adelaide can sign up to six local players under the age of 21 to their SANFL lists.
Burgoyne will still be eligible to play reserves for the Eagles should he not be selected to line up for the Magpies.
The son of Power great Peter Burgoyne, Rome played three league matches for the Magpies in 2024 under an agreement with the Eagles.
Slotting in at half-back, Burgoyne looked composed beyond his years at league level, with his smooth skills and ability to read the play standing up to the rigours of league football.
Burgoyne enjoyed an outstanding U18 campaign for the Eagles, averaging 23 disposals and six rebound 50s as one of the competition's most damaging half-backs.
He was instrumental in the Eagles' U18 grand final triumph over Central District, amassing 27 disposals, six clearances and nine rebound 50s to rank among the best on the ground.
Port Adelaide's Head of SANFL Paul Stewart spoke glowingly of Burgoyne and the promise he has already shown in his time at Alberton.
โRome has proven to be an incredibly coachable and reliable young player at league level,โ Stewart said.
โHe shows great ability to take on feedback and implement it quickly into his game and he has a natural ability to put himself into strong positions and is good in the contest.ย ย
โHis ground-level defensive mentality is at a great level already for a young player and he sets up the ground well offensively.โ
Burgoyne said he enjoyed the experience at Port Adelaide this year and is excited to continue his development at the club.
โI really enjoyed my three games with Port Adelaide this year and am keen to join them for the 2025 season,โ Burgoyne said.
โI'm excited to keep developing in a SANFL system within an AFL club.โย
Burgoyne's signing comes after fellow father-son prospect Oli Francou was also signed by the Magpies from North Adelaide.
