SFL 2018: Russell Robertson still flying high at Doveton after last year’s premiership heroics

RUSSELL Robertson might be edging toward his 40th birthday, but the former Melbourne high flyer is still bringing down big grabs and kicking bags of goals.

RUSSELL Robertson might be edging toward his 40th birthday, but the former Melbourne high flyer is still bringing down big grabs and kicking bags of goals.

Three weeks ago, Robertson was snapped taking a classic high mark for his Southern Football League club Doveton Eagles during a Division 2 match against Keysborough.

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On Saturday, the ex-Demon booted six goals as Doveton pulled clear of East Brighton to claim a 17.11 (113) to 11.8 (74) victory at Hurlingham Park.

Robertson, who played 228 games for Melbourne, featured in the Eagles’ Division 3 premiership last year.

His haul during Saturday’s victory was his best of the season, but Robertson has certainly caused headaches for Division 2 defenders.

Russell Robertson celebrates Doveton's Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) Division 3 premiership last year.

He has totalled 16 goals in five matches this year after finishing 2017 with 51 goals in 10 games, including a monster haul of 11 against Sandown.

The highlight of Robertson’s first year with Doveton came in the final minute of the grand final, when he snapped the matchwinning goal.

Robertson has helped his side make a smooth transition to the higher grade after their premiership win, sitting 10-1 after 11 rounds.

The club has flagged it would like Robertson, who retired from AFL in 2009, to become its coach in coming years.

Cam Carmody and Mick Callinan were also prominent for the winners on Saturday, along with Nic Battle, a former VFL player and the brother of young St Kilda forward Josh, and Steve Ognjenovic.

Mid-season recruit Darren Sheen, a prolic goalkicker in country football, kicked four goals in support of Robertson.

Battle kicked three.

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