Deven Robertson has a chance to earn Round 1 spot in Lions’ final Marsh Series game

He was the big slider on draft night but Deven Robertson could jump the selection queue at Brisbane after winning the chance to audition for a spot in the Lions’ Round 1 team.

Deven Robertson after being drafted by the Brisbane Lions. Pic: Michael Klein

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says young gun Deven Robertson is in the selection mix for Round 1 after being elevated into the Lions squad for Sunday’s Marsh Community Series pre-season clash against Carlton.

Fagan said up to three places in Brisbane’s best 22 are still up for grabs ahead of the Round 1 meeting with Hawthorn at the MCG on March 22 and reputations will count for nothing at match committee.

Free agent recruit Cameron Ellis-Yolmen has been dropped from the 30-man squad to take on the Blues in Brisbane’s final pre-season hitout, with 18-year-old midfielder Robertson given a shot at a senior debut in Round 1.

Robertson was captain of the victorious WA side at last year’s national under 18 championships, where he also won the Larke Medal as the best player at the carnival.

After being touted as a potential top-10 draft pick at the end of 2019, Robertson was a surprise slider to the start of the second round where the Lions pounced on him with their first selection.

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Deven Robertson after being drafted by the Brisbane Lions at pick 22. Picture: Michael Klein

Robertson, who lived with Lions star Lachie Neale when he first arrived in Brisbane, has made a big impression on Brisbane’s coaches and players, drawing praise for his willingness to speak up at team meetings.

He recently attended Lions Academy training – unprompted — to work with the juniors coming through the Brisbane talent system.

Fagan is clearly a fan and said Robertson would not look out of place in senior football this year.

“We are really happy with his progress. You are always trying to learn about your players. We haven’t seen him against opposition yet so it will be a good chance to have a look at that and see if he can put his hand up for Round 1,’’ he said.

“He’s a competitor and he does everything he can every day to improve. He’s got an amazing attitude and I just love that about him. That matters more than anything else.

“This weekend will be a really good test because Carlton are putting out a strong side so we’ll get not only information about Dev, but all of our players and where we are at.’’

Deven Robertson (left) with Lions draftees Keidean Coleman, Brock Smith and Jaxon Prior.

Fagan said Ellis-Yolmen — like every player on the list — was not guaranteed a spot in the senior side after he made the switch from Adelaide in the off-season.

“His form hasn’t been quite good enough. It just shows that just because you’ve been recruited to the club, it doesn’t mean you are going to walk straight into the side. You’ve actually got to earn your spot,’’ Fagan said.

“He’s aware of that. And he’ll be looking forward to putting in a good performance in the reserves and I’m sure he will. His inside ball stuff is a pretty strong feature of his game, just want to make sure that he works hard on the outside as well.

“Part of it is just getting to know his teammates and fitting into a new system. There’s always challenges for new players at new clubs.’’

Neale had 46 disposals in Brisbane’s loss to Port Adelaide at Burpengary two weeks ago in the Lions’ first Marsh Community Series match and Fagan said the reigning club champion would be keen to improve his disposal efficiency.

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“I thought he played a fantastic game. You can’t get that much of the ball unless you’ve worked incredibly hard and put yourself in position to win contested ball,’’ he said.

“He was a little bit rusty with some of his disposal decisions but that’s understandable. Lachie hadn’t played that much match practice so I thought it was an amazing performance first-up … I’m thinking when we see him this weekend he’ll be up a notch or two.’’

Deven Robertson is a $117,300 midfielder in KFC SuperCoach. Register for free and start picking your squad now!