2017 has been a massive year for Dylan Roberton.
Not only did he produce a career-best season where he emerged as one of the premier rebounding defenders in the game, he also inked a four-year contract extension that ties him to St Kilda until the end of 2021.
Roberton burst out of the blocks and laid the foundations early for a season where he would be included in the All-Australian squad for the first time and is set to feature prominently in the Trevor Barker Award.
After arriving at Linen House Centre at the end of 2012, the former Fremantle backman has built his game over the last couple of years, before thriving as part of a new-look back six that includes key defenders Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown.
The 26-year-old started the season better than anyone else at St Kilda, producing strong efforts against West Coast, Brisbane, Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn early in the year.
While Sam Docherty, Michael Hibberd and Rory Laird were picked ahead of him in the All-Australian team, the game-breaking Saint has certainly enhanced his reputation following a stellar 2017 campaign.
Performance of the year:
Round 4 v Collingwood at Etihad Stadium: 32 disposals at 90.6
Alan Richardson's views:
“We’re delighted that ‘Robbo’ has committed to
“There’s no secret that he had opportunities to go to other clubs for more money but chose to stay with the Saints.
“‘Robbo’ is not only an outstanding player, he’s also become a really important leader in our group.
“To be named in the All-Australian squad in his first-year in the leadership group demonstrates his ability to cope with the added responsibility.
“The challenge for ‘Robbo’ going forward will be coping with heightened attention from the opposition following his performances this season.”
The numbers:
22 games
23.1 disposals
6.2 marks
5.6 rebound 50s
464.2 metres gained
