Robbo looking to take form into Champs
If form can take you anywhere, then AFL NSW/ACT’s Luke Robertson is going places.
Having starred in the Sydney Swans Academy’s five-from-five Academy Series whitewash, Robertson has been selected in the Allies team set to play their first match of the NAB AFL U18 Championships tomorrow.
Growing up on Sydney’s North Shore, Robertson did not start his sporting career as an AFL footballer.
Attending the prestigious St. Ignatius College Riverview, where Rugby Union is popular, it was not until Robertson’s final years at the College that he decided to stick with the Sherrin.
Picked up by the Sydney Swans Academy and finding quick success, Robertson’s push into Aussies Rules has meant bringing his family along for the ride.
“I sort of played every sport before – a bit of baseball, rugby league, union,” says Robertson.
“Dad played quite a bit of cricket, and my mum and sister were into netball – but they definitely love their footy now.”
Robertson was a star in AFL NSW/ACT’s Independent Schools Program before he gained the call up to the Sydney Swans NEAFL squad via the Academy in 2016.
From there he was selected in the 2016 Allies team, which took overall victory in Division One of the NAB AFL U18 Championships against tomorrow’s opponents, Vic Country.
Robertson’s teammates during last year’s Championships included the likes of Will Setterfield, Harrison Macreadie and Isaac Cumming – all of whom have been drafted to AFL Clubs since.
With another shot in the Allies squad, Robertson is hoping to gain a spot on an AFL list during November’s Draft.
“I’m trying not to think too far ahead and taking each game as it comes. My main goal at the moment is to play as many Allies games as I can, and just keep improving.”
AFL NSW/ACT State Manager of Talent and Coaching, Darren Denneman says that Robertson has given himself every chance of gaining an AFL call up.
“Robertson is a versatile half-back type who can play on taller opponents. He has good agility and is a nice user of the football in terms of rebounding,” explains Denneman.
“He was very good during the Academy Series and obviously earned himself Allies selection.
“But like all players, their ‘draftability’ is judged by what comes next when they’re competing against Division One teams.”
Division One of the 2017 NAB AFL U18 Championships is what comes next for Robertson, with the Allies hosting Round One in Blacktown.
Described as ‘level-headed’ by Denneman, Robertson is keeping things in check prior to taking on the best of the best.
“I am nervous, it’s a pretty big game – it’s not like every weekend,” says Robertson.
“But I’m really excited to be honest. We took it out last year, so I’m pretty excited to play Round One and hopefully we get the win.”
You can see Luke Robertson and the Allies play Vic Country in Blacktown on Sunday, 11 June 2017 at 12.30pm.
