The seven-month exile: Burgess's journey from forgotten man to Jets' leader

Mark Milligan, the new coach of the Jets, recognized Max Burgess's determination despite being sidelined at Sydney FC for seven months. At their first meeting, Milligan sensed Burgess's strong desire not only to reclaim his former level but also to improve further.

Burgess will face Sydney FC and his former coach, Ufuk Talay, for the first time since leaving Moore Park when the Jets host the Sky Blues at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Currently, the midfielder is in the best form of his career.

"I played against Max and have known Max for a long time," Milligan said. "I had a clear vision about what I thought Max's role would be here. Part of that was bringing through and showing the young ones what it takes to be a professional."

"What he did go through [in Sydney] was not easy. The way he went about things - he stayed professional and kept working. When I brought him in here, he was in good shape and had a hunger."

"The first time I sat down with Max, I saw the hunger in him to get back to the player he knew he could be and go on from there to become better."

Burgess, 30, appeared only three times during his final season at Sydney FC, a year in which the Sky Blues missed the finals. In previous seasons at his boyhood club, he averaged 24 appearances per season.

Author's summary: Max Burgess overcame a challenging seven-month sidelining at Sydney FC to become a key player and leader for the Jets, demonstrating resilience and professionalism.

Newcastle Herald — 2025-10-31

The seven-month exile: Burgess's journey from forgotten man to Jets' leader

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