Dylan Roberton steps away from St Kilda to consider his future

Veteran St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton will step away from the club this pre-season, as he considers his future after terrifying heart issues.

Dylan Roberton is considering his future. Picture: Michael Klein

St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton is taking some time away from the field as he considers retirement ahead of the 2021 season.

The club announced on Wednesday the 29-year-old would take a pause from his training commitments following consultation with his specialists and the club medical team.

With the “full support of the club,” he will assess all available options over the coming weeks.

It has been almost three years since Roberton suffered a terrifying onfield heart scare.

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Dylan Roberton during a training drill last year. Picture: Michael Klein

Roberton collapsed on the field against Geelong in Round 4, 2018 due to a career-threatening heart irregularity.

Then another heart-related issue in a pre-season game at the start of 2019 brought him to the brink of retirement.

He bravely fought back and made his return n Round 1 of 2020 before being sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Roberton helped the Saints’ coaches during the club’s training session at Moorabbin on Wednesday but did not take part in the session.

“I think he’s just taking some time at the moment just weighing everything up,” Saints forward Jack Billings said.

“He’s clearly had some challenges the last few years.

He’s got a great family and three kids, so I think he’s just taking some time at the moment.

“He’s a great mate of mine and the boys love him so he’s just going through all that at the moment and everyone at the club is behind him.”

Doctors attend to Roberton after he collapsed in April, 2018. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Roberton was voted into the Saints’ leadership group last year, such is his standing among the playing group.

He has played 129 games in 11 seasons, including 37 games with Fremantle from 2010-12 before crossing to St Kilda at the end of 2012.

“He’s had some really challenging times the last couple of years missing a lot of footy and the way he fought back 12 months ago now was amazing and really inspiring for everyone at the footy club,” Billings said.

“And especially for his teammates as it gave us a massive list.

“In terms of his footy ability, the way he reads the game and sets us up from the backline is awesome.

“In 2017 he was in the All-Australian squad so he’s a quality player, so fingers are crossed for him.”

The club has asked for Roberton’s privacy to be respected while he weighs up his future.

Originally published as Dylan Roberton steps away from St Kilda to consider his future