Nick's Collingwood Page - The 2004 Team

Drafted from Norwood in the SANFL competition, with pick number 90, Burns took two years to make his debut, before he stepped on to the field in Collingwood colours for the first time in round one 1995. He collected 13 possessions and 3 marks as the Pies lost by 33 points.
Burns went on to play 19 games for the season playing mainly in the back pocket. In 1996, Burns continued his rapid improvement, playing the whole 22 games from the half back line.
Season 1997 was a tough one for Burns, where injury and suspension quelled his influence. But his best performance was save for reigning premiers North Melbourne. On a cold and wet Friday night, Burns tore the Roos apart, helping see his side to victory.
1998 was a major disappointment for Burns, who broke his arm in the round one clash with Hawthorn and never full recovered. He returned late in the season, but was still a fair way off his best.
1999 was a tough year for both Burns and the Pies. Although he tried as hard as ever, Burns was part of a Collingwood side that finished wooden spooners for only the second time in the clubs history. Burns also missed four games late in the season with a hamstring injury. Under new coach Mick Malthouse, Burns played all but two games but was hampered by an ankle injury, which sidelined him for two weeks and quelled him from having his usual impact.
2001 was a write off year for Burns, where he only played 8 games due to chronic hamstring injuries. When he finally returned in round 17 after a10 week lay off, the impact was much welcomed as he boosted the midfield stocks as soon as he entered the fray.

2002 was one of the best years of Burns’ career as he dominated the packs and helped propel the side to a Grand Final birth. As courageous and tough as ever, Burns was brilliant all afternoon but could bot stop the rampant Brisbane Lions from winning back-to-back flags. Burns finished second in the Copeland Trophy behind Paul Licuria.
2002 was good, but 2003 an even better year for Burns, as continued his good form from 2002 as he finished 3rd in the Copeland Trophy.
Burns served the Pies well all season and was close to his first All Australian birth but missed out at the finish. Burns was an admirable performer in the Grand Final, but didn’t extract his normal presence on the team. Burns’ hamstring trouble returned in 2004, when he suffered the injury against Port Adelaide in round 6. Burns missed three weeks but was welcomed back against the Kangaroos. Burns’ best performance came in round 11 against West Coast, when he personally destroyed the Eagles line up.