SFNL 2018: Russell Robertson kicks 15 goals for Doveton Eagles in whitewash-win over Caulfield

FORMER Melbourne star Russell Robertson boots 15 goals as Doveton Eagles dismantle Caulfield in the Southern league.

FORMER Melbourne high-flyer Russell Robertson had a dazzling day out in the Southern league on Saturday, booting 15 goals for Doveton Eagles against Caulfield in Division 2.

The 39-year-old kicked finished with 15.5 in the Eagles’ 24-24-168 to 5-5-35 bruising of the Bears at Power Rd.

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“I’ve kicked 13 a couple of times with St Josephs in the Geelong league and a few 11s and 12s over the years, but today was my best,” affable “Robbo’’ said.

“It felt really nice, actually, but the best part was that it was such a terrific team effort. I was just lucky enough to get on the end of a few from further afield.”

Russell Robertson after kicking 15 goals for Doveton Eagles on Saturday.

After slotting through seven goals in the opening term, setting him up for a double-figure haul. Ten of his goals came from marks.

“The body hasn’t been the greatest of late when kicking for goal, so it was just nice to kick straight,” he laughed.

“The back plays up a bit these days and I reckon it will take me about two weeks to get over this.”

Russell Robertson flying for Doveton Eagles.

And pulling down a customary hanger during his time with Melbourne.

Robertson believed he was “done’’ after playing a key role in the Eagles’ Division 3 premiership last season.

“But we did so well and the challenge of going up a division appealed to me,’’ he said.

“We recruited really well and when I heard that blokes like Nic Battle would be going around, I decided to give it one more year.’’

Coach Clint Wilson said Robertson was “fit and firing’’, boding well for the finals series.

“We’ll have a potent forward line,” he said in something of an understatement.

Multiple century goalkicker Darren Sheen was rested in the second half with a small niggle, and Ryan Hendy has kicked 10 goals in two games.

Peter Dye is also to come back into the side, so opposition defenders may be in for a torrid time come September.

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

But it wasn’t all Robbo last Saturday. Fellow veteran Darryl Thomas, 43, also starred for the winners, with Battle also putting in a blinder.

“I reckon Nic had 50 possessions,” coach Wilson said.

Pat Kelly, Jake Buggy and Cam Vincent toiled diligently for the Bears but it’s almost certain they’ll remember the game as the day they saw “Robbo’’ kick 15.