Burgess played 14 games for the SUNS in his first year in the AFL. The swingman came to the club from SANFL club West Adelaide where he was valued for his ability to play as a forward or key defender. Debuting in Round 1 against St Kilda, Burgess went on to play the first five games of the season before going back to the NEAFL. He played three matches in the middle of the year then returned to play the remaining six games to tally 14 for the year. Originally starting as a forward, Burgess finished the year as a key defender after injuries mounted in the back half of the ground.