Australian Football

St Kilda recruited Neil Roberts from Melbourne High School Old Boys and he made his VFL debut in 1952. After failing to impress as a forward during his first two and a half seasons in league company he was moved to centre half back with stunning success. Tall and boasting an athletic physique, he was excellent overhead, and a superb rebound player. He won St Kilda's best and fairest award in 1955, and again three years later, when he also landed the Brownlow.

A regular Big V representative (11 appearances), Roberts was an inspirational player who led from the front. In 1958 he became the first ever St Kilda player to achieve All Australian selection. Appointed St Kilda captain in 1959 he retained the position until he retired, after 169 VFL games and 40 goals, in 1962. In 2002, Roberts was chosen at centre half back in St Kilda's official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney