Neil E Roberts
Roberts provided one of the most famous cases of a failed forward making the grade as a defender.
1952-62 169 games 40 goals. (b: 15 Jun 1933 185 cms 84.5 kgs). Roberts provided one of the most famous cases of a failed forward making the grade as a defender. After his first two and a half seasons it seemed he was going nowhere as a footballer but a switch to centre half-back changed the course of his football. His long arms hauled down countless marks and started attacks from the backline. He established himself as a star in 1955 winning the club's best and fairest and a place in the state team. He also finished third in the Brownlow and from that moment never looked back. His blond hair good looks and perfect build made him a media favourite. Prior to the 1958 season he concentrated on running rather than swimming over the summer and he had a great season. Roberts was an inspiring leader deputising for the injured Brian Gleeson and won the Brownlow by two votes. He was appointed skipper in 1959 and remained leader until he retired at the relatively young age of 29. Not the greatest kick of all time but he made up for it with his marking. Roberts led St Kilda into the finals for the first time in 1961 after 22 years on the sidelines. He played 11 games for Victoria. He became a well-respected commentator and was sometimes mentioned as a possible League coach but always declined.
Player profile © The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers by Russell Holmesby and Jim Main
Neil Roberts
Warren Thomas
Saints Hall of Fame Memorable Moments
I am just one of many thousands who could relate to a love of the "Saints" being a 4th generation Saint and a baby boomer who first attended games with his father in the late 50's, taken by the abundance of Red, White and Black heroes, Annand, Oswald, Guy, Stephenson etc.
The real standout with the movie star looks and captain of these superstars was our very own Neil Roberts who we all wanted to be like. Luckily for me Neil was a Phys Ed instructor at the time and somehow connected to the education dept. He visited my primary school, Oakleigh South on several occasions one of which I was proudly wearing my number 10.
At a later game and the way more relaxed security in those days, my father let me over the fence at half time of a Punt road game against Richmond to be part of the guard of honour to cheer the "Saints" onto the ground after halftime, still wearing my coat over my prized number 10 as it was a typical Melbourne winter day.
Arriving at the race just prior to "Coconut" leading out our heroes and my number 10 concealed, I will swear I was given a special look from our captain recognising me from all the other snowy haired schoolboys and have that "snapshot" indelibly stamped in my memory along with countless other memories of Neil and the Red, White and Black.
Recently I was reminded of the special qualities of Neil by an article in the Herald Sun written by Neil as a protest against proposed changes to the Brownlow concerning suspended players the content of which I could not agree more. It reminded me of the special qualities of our Saint hero and that special moment for me so long ago.
Well done again Coconut
Warren Thomas
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