Bourke grew up in Coorparoo, Queensland, and was scouted by Brisbane Lions scouts for his natural talent. Chosen in the Queensland side for the 2011 National Under 18s championship, Bourke led the team to the Division Two title. His efforts were recognized with the Championships' Division Two Most Valuable Player award. He was selected in the AIS-AFL Academy program and was drafted by Brisbane in the 2013 Rookie Draft at number 63. He was the first Lions Academy member to graduate onto the Lions' official playing list.
AFL career
Bourke played the majority of his debut season as a defender with Brisbane's reserves side in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL), helping the Lions to their second NEAFL title in a row.
Bourke made his AFL debut in the last minor round match of 2014. In 2015 he played five senior games in a row before being dropped back to the NEAFL and was delisted at the end of the season.