Yartapuulti utility Jase Burgoyne is relishing some extra time in Darwin ahead of Friday’s game, acclimatising to the conditions and spending time with family. 

Both of Burgoyne’s parents were born in the top end, with the 22-year-old expecting a big family contingent supporting him at the game. 

Speaking at Laundry Gallery in Darwin to launch Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Burgoyne discussed the club’s First Nations guernsey, his own versatility on field, and how much he’s enjoying time in the NT. 

Burgoyne on the First Nations guernsey 
“I got to do the unveiling (of the guernsey) the other day with Uncle Mickey down at Port Adelaide at the cultural centre there. It’s unreal. It’s got some nice teal stripes, he told us about the story. And it's put together really nicely and I can’t wait to wear it.” 

Burgoyne on being in Darwin with family 
“Yeah, it’s my first time playing in Darwin (as an AFL player). I was about 12 he last time I played here. And mum lives here, my brother lives here, both my parents were born here, so a lot of family here. And it will be good to play in front of them. I don't think a lot of them would have seen me play footy in person since I was little so that will be good.  I think every time you have friends and family in the crowd you want to turn it on a little bit but it will good to have them there.” 

Burgoyne on close games 
“We're a young side and we're a bit inexperienced when it comes to those times. Late in games, we’ve probably shown how inexperienced we are, but slow starts as well is probably something we need to work on. But we're pretty confident that we can tinker a few things, and once we get those things right, then I think we’ll be in a good spot moving forward.” 

Burgoyne on Josh Carr’s post-game comments last week 
“We knew we weren’t playing our best footy and obviously, it’s been really close the last couple of weeks. But it was, I guess, encouraging, knowing that what we weren’t playing our best footy and we were still able to keep it close.” 

Burgoyne on Josh Carr’s review process 
“I think the reviews are pretty good. You know, we come in on a Monday or Tuesday, when we're in, and we get it over and done with and once we knuckle down on what we need to work on, we move on pretty quickly the next week. He’s pretty level-headed and calm and I think the boys love that about him.” 

Burgoyne on Gold Coast’s form in Darwin 
“I guess so, you could say that (it’s daunting playing against them here). Yeah, I mean they haven’t lost here, so it's going to be hard to beat them, but I’m pretty sure if we can get our footy up and going and have a good start, it can be a good game. It’s pretty close to the conditions they have at home so you know they’ll be ready.” 

Burgoyne on heading to Darwin early as a group 
“We got here yesterday, we’ve got training today and captain’s run (tomorrow) just to get the conditions down pat. I think we’ll go out there expecting a bit of sweaty and mugginess and a slippery ball but we’ll just have to play to the conditions. 

“That was the goal (to get here early and acclimatise). Just got to get used to the weather conditions that we’re going to have and have some training sessions and there are couple of things we’re up here for as well (like the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup).” 

Burgoyne on Tom Anastasopoulos debuting 
“All the boys love him, you could say he's the club clown! He makes everyone laugh. He’s small and energetic and likes to bring contest and likes to get chirpy as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if gets in a bit of a scrap! He’s a good player.” 

Burgoyne on his role in Miles Bergman’s absence 
“I'm not too sure yet. They haven't done the match selection just yet, but obviously it's a possibility. Miles was starting to play some good footy after a slow start, and obviously it's pretty frustrating to have him out, he’s pretty important to us. It could by myself or anyone really coming from the twos. We've got pretty good depth there in that position. So it’s that next person up mentality.” 

Burgoyne on his role so far this year 
“This year's been a bit different for me, actually. I’ve played everywhere. I go into games playing wing, and then I might play back, a bit of inside mid and a bit forward. And I really want to pencil myself into one position at the moment. I like getting around everywhere and if I can be versatile and help the team out, I’m happy to do that.”