Returning star Dylan Roberton named to St Kilda leadership group two years after on-field collapse
Dylan Roberton is confident he can recapture his best form for St Kilda this year despite managing just four games in the past two AFL seasons.
The 28-year-old initially feared his career had been cut short when he collapsed on-field during a game in 2018.
He then missed the entire 2019 campaign because of ongoing concerns surrounding a heart condition and spent the season in a specialist coaching role.
But Roberton has enjoyed a strong summer training program leading into 2020 and was named in the Saints' six-man leadership group on Wednesday.
It followed extensive discussions in the football department over whether an official leadership role would constitute Roberton taking too much on as he plots his comeback path.
Roberton played in St Kilda's pre-season contests last year before being ruled out once again Getty
But the dashing defender welcomed the assignment and has set his sights on again delivering the sort of performances that won him selection in the 40-man All-Australian squad in 2017.
"I'm itching to get back out there and play on instinct and get that feeling back," Roberton said.
"I wouldn't want to come back if I was just making up the numbers.
"While I've missed a lot of footy, I don't think it's changed that much."
Roberton, who has played 128 games with St Kilda and Fremantle, still has regular check-ups with his cardiologist every couple of months.
Roberton's career looked in major strife when he collapsed during a match against Geelong in 2018 Fox Sports
But he said the health issues no longer play on his mind.
"I don't really have thoughts about it, which is a good thing (because) I wouldn't want to be running out there having those doubts," Roberton said.
Fourth-year captain Jarryn Geary said Roberton had been an inspiration to the playing group.
"Just seeing him back out there is going to be a massive uplift for us," Geary said.
Roberton is nursing a corked right leg and will not play in the Saints' AFL pre-season clash with Hawthorn at Moorabbin on Saturday night.
However, he plans to feature in the next two practice matches and push his case for a spot in the team for round one.
