FOOTBALL: While it's never easy watching on, it's about the collective and not the individual for injured Magpies Crusaders defender Kyle McBurney.

Going down for the rest of the season a fortnight ago due to a groin injury, McBurney's role has changed from on-field general to off-field mentor.

A competitor at heart, McBurney has struggled to watch on after solid form in the club's inaugural season, but there's always next year and for now his focus is on supporting his team-mates.

"It (missing games) is very difficult on a personal note; I was enjoying my season and thought I was doing well until I was injured, but it's about the collective and the people who've come in and taken my position have done extremely well,” McBurney said.

"As one of the more senior players, mentoring started from the beginning, and that doesn't change.

"I try to get down to training as much as I can and I'm still around the team and still try to play a role, as difficult as that can be when I'm not playing.

"But it's not about one player... I'm looking forward to next year but, for now, I'm focussed on what I can contribute off field.”

A foundation player, the South African native has been with the club since its inception.

Spending the last decade in Mackay, McBurney calls the Sugar City home and said he felt a great deal of "pride” in representing Magpies Crusaders.

"I have a strong sense of pride in the region... I'm very proud to be part of the inaugural squad and (giving) all those young players something to look forward to,” he said.

"There's a lot of pride in the squad, we're well supported by not only fans, but sponsors and those within the club.

"It is truly an honour to be part of.”

In evaluating the season, McBurney isn't surprised the club has enjoyed eight wins, but sees plenty more success on the horizon.

"There's much more room for improvement, and there's no question we'll be better next year,” McBurney said.

"I'm sure we'll set our goals early next year; there's a process to that, and it'll require focus and a high work ethic, but we've got people on board towards the end of the season that are going to help us with that process.”