Australian Football

Despite being pacy, strong overhead, and a penetrating left foot kick Shane Robertson was never an automatic selection for Carlton over the course of his nine season, 80 game, 23 goal career with the club, earning the nickname ‘Yo-yo’ as a consequence. However, he did get to experience the thrill of playing in a winning grand final, which when all is said and done is the primary goal of almost every footballer. Originally from North Melbourne Old Boys, he commenced with the Blues under 19s in 1981, played reserves the following year, and made his senior league debut in 1983.

In addition to his obvious skills, Robertson was adaptable, equally at home on a wing, as a defender or in a tagging role. In the 1987 grand final clash with Hawthorn he was opposed on a wing by Hawks great Robert DiPierdomenico, and, after being out-pointed early, fought back strongly after half time to make a meaningful contribution to the Blues’ eventual 33 point win. The triumph afforded a measure of consolation for Robertson, who had suffered the ultimate disappointment in the previous season’s grand final which had seen the Hawks storm to victory by seven goals. Having earlier also twice tasted defeat in reserves grand finals, the celebratory champagne in ‘87 must have tasted all the sweeter.

Injuries slowed Robertson down later in his career, with a shoulder problem that required a full reconstruction proving especially discomfiting. However, when selected he could always be relied on to run himself ragged. He played his last game for Carlton in round eight 1991 before embarking on a highly successful coaching career in the country.

Author - John Devaney