Humbled by his inclusion in the 2017 leadership group, St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton admits the recognition demonstrates the growth he has made with his leadership in recent years.
The 25-year-old was one of three new faces in the Saints’ eight-man group, joining midfielder Seb Ross and key forward Josh Bruce, along with newly appointed captain Jarryn Geary.
After several injury-interrupted pre-seasons, Roberton credited his full summer on the track for his growth, which has helped him become a better leader.
“I think just having the confidence from your teammates who vote you in is a little bit humbling,” Roberton told saints.com.au ahead of the Saints leadership announcement.
“To have the support from the group gives you a bit more confidence that you’re doing the right things and you have influence over the group.
“This is my first full pre-season – I’ve done every session so far. That’s also helped with my leadership being out there the whole summer to be able to influence the group.”
After crossing from Fremantle at the end of 2012, Roberton has played 65 games for the Saints and reached the 100-game milestone at the tail end of last season.
Roberton believes his evolution as a leader has come with maturity and confidence in his role for the club.
“I think it just happened naturally. Coming from a new club, the first couple of years you’re a bit focused on your own game, but once you become part of that team you start looking at the bigger picture,” Roberton said.
“You starting looking at how the team can improve and where the team needs to go; I think it’s just that natural evolution of maturity and getting a little bit older.”
With St Kilda’s longest serving skipper, Nick Riewoldt, relinquishing the captaincy after 11 seasons at the helm, Roberton says the club is well placed for the transition period with the champion forward still present, along with experienced leaders Leigh Montagna, Sean Dempster and Sam Gilbert.
“The clubs done really well doing this at the right time, they’re still going to have a role to play in the leadership stuff,” he said.
“They are not just going to sit back, they are going to give us a lot of guidance for us new guys and ‘Rooey’s’ going to be a massive help for ‘Gears’ to help guide that process.”
