Brothers Jase and Trent Burgoyne model Port Adelaide's 2022 SANFL Indigenous guernsey, a special variation of Lachie Jones' design. Image: Matt Sampson.

AHEAD of the SANFL’s Indigenous round this weekend, son-of-a-gun Jase Burgoyne has revealed the player he looked up to growing up… and it’s not his father Peter Burgoyne.

All Hostplus SANFL League teams have a unique 2022 Indigenous guernsey design, to be worn in Round 13 matches, other than Adelaide which has a clash with Glenelg.

Port Adelaide’s guernsey is based on the design by AFL-listed defender/forward Lachie Jones, which talks of his grandmother’s journey as part of the Stolen Generation from Borroloola in the Northern Territory to her final resting place in Bute on Yorke Peninsula.

Indigenous Round, which leads into NAIDOC Week 2022, is a celebration and recognition of all SANFL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players past and present who have made, and continue to make, such a significant contribution to our national game.

A Welcome to Country or Acknowledgment to Country will be performed before each League game.

For Jase Burgoyne, it is a special occasion, and one he hopes to share with his brother Trent Burgoyne, who is part of the club’s SANFL list.

“It’s a great way to recognise the other Indigenous players who have played before us, and those who are still playing now who have paved the way for us,” Jase Burgoyne explained.

“We’re able to be here now because of them.”

Jase Burgoyne says the Indigenous jumper is an opportunity to recognise those who helped pave the way for current Indigenous players. Image: Matt Sampson.

Among those who have come before him at Port Adelaide are nearly 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have represented the club with distinction.

They include his grandfather Peter Burgoyne snr, his father Peter Burgoyne, uncle Shaun Burgoyne and of course Trent.

“Harry Hewitt was the first one in 1891 and since then we’ve had a whole heap,” Jase Burgoyne explained.

“Even in the 2004 Grand Final we had Gavin Wanganeen, Byron Pickett, my uncle Shaun (Burgoyne) and my dad (Peter Burgoyne) so there’s been a lot of successful Indigenous players at our club.”

But while there have been so many Indigenous players for him to look up to, and some very close to home, the lightly built 18-year-old has one he idolised the most.

“Cyril Rioli – I think everyone says him,” the teenager joked. “I always loved watching him take hangers and kick goals.

“To be honest, my whole family (has been important in my journey). They’ve shaped how I think about my culture and how I bring that culture out.

“I’ve been really lucky to have strong role models.”

Port Adelaide will face North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday from 2:10pm in the SANFL’s 2022 Indigenous Round.