Dylan Roberton signs contract extension with St Kilda until 2021
ST KILDA defender Dylan Roberton has capped a stellar season by signing a new deal and he’s determined to make the Saints a “regular finals team”.
St Kilda
Don't miss out on the headlines from St Kilda. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DYLAN Roberton is determined to make St Kilda a “regular finals team” after signing a new four-year deal.
The 26-year-old — who has played 124 games, including 37 at Fremantle — on Wednesday penned the deal that will see him at the club until the end of 2021.
St Kilda finished 11th this season with an 11-11 record, having been in the mix for September action up until Round 23.
TRADE CHAT: SHOULD SUNS MOVE ON LYNCH NOW?
But after a stellar season down back that saw him selected in the All-Australian squad of 40, Roberton is determined to make something special of the next phase of his career as a Saint.
“As a group, we’ve been developing for a few years and I’ve enjoyed watching a number of young guys step up this year and take their footy a new level,” he said.
“We’re obviously disappointed not to be playing finals but I think we’re building nicely.
“We want to be a regular finals team and I’m determined to do what I can to help us take the next step.”
The Victorian averaged 23 disposals in his 22-game 2017 season, and he ended the year ranked as the No.1 Saint for kicks, makes and rebound 50s.
Roberton joined the club’s leadership group at the start of this season, with coach Alan Richardson saying at the time that the defender lifts the players around him.
“‘Robbo’ down back with his voice and the way he communicates has been really positive,” Richardson said earlier this year.
“His footy has continued to improve, but so has his ability to make other players better.”
Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains said having the likes of Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown alongside Roberton in defence this season has taken the young gun’s game to a new level.
“His ability to win one-on-one contests and to roll off his opponent to help out his fellow defenders is first rate, as is his ability to set up play from defence,” Bains said.
“He is also an integral member of our leadership group supporting Jarryn Geary and is someone who is highly respected internally.”
A Brownlow in England: Bizarre tale of medals headed to auction
A random email from the UK that was initially ignored has led to a rare auction that could let someone into footy’s most prestigious and exclusive club.
Injury carnage means Saints fans will have to be patient yet again
Saints fans would be pulling out their hair after Mattaes Phillipou’s injury, that’s before they took a look at their fixture again. Josh Barnes writes, it could be another year of waiting.