1952-62 169 games 40 goals. (b: 15 Jun 1933 185 cms 84.5 kgs). Roberts provided one of the most famous cases of a failed forward making the grade as a defender. After his first two and a half seasons it seemed he was going nowhere as a footballer but a switch to centre half-back changed the course of his football. His long arms hauled down countless marks and started attacks from the backline. He established himself as a star in 1955 winning the club's best and fairest and a place in the state team. He also finished third in the Brownlow and from that moment never looked back. His blond hair good looks and perfect build made him a media favourite. Prior to the 1958 season he concentrated on running rather than swimming over the summer and he had a great season. Roberts was an inspiring leader deputising for the injured Brian Gleeson and won the Brownlow by two votes. He was appointed skipper in 1959 and remained leader until he retired at the relatively young age of 29. Not the greatest kick of all time but he made up for it with his marking. Roberts led St Kilda into the finals for the first time in 1961 after 22 years on the sidelines. He played 11 games for Victoria. He became a well-respected commentator and was sometimes mentioned as a possible League coach but always declined.