My theory is we are using Burgoyne where we most need him.
If Gilham & Stratton were fit and firing alongside Gibson, then I reckon we'd be seeing Burgoyne playing a lot more midfield and forward, but with those guys out we've moved some class into the backline to help out.
Its an enormous luxury to be able to play a guy like Burgoyne out of the backline, as it allows us to use Hodge wherever we like, including down back when needed. This year, without Burgoyne, Hodge wouldn't have gotten to a center bounce, I reckon.
On that basis, I rate his year as very solid. Has been extremely reliable in the back half with some fantastic kicking and is a very cool head under pressure.
Come finals though, we may see Hodge & Burgoyne swapping roles a bit. Definitely a potential match winning move taking Burgoyne into the centre or even forward when the game is there to be won.