Fletcher Roberts
Guernsey number: 18
2013 VFL games: 12
Career AFL games: 2
2013 VFL goals: 11
Career AFL goals: 0
 

Season in short:

After debuting in 2012 with two games, Roberts spent 2013 with VFL affiliate Williamstown in a season of development. The Sandringham Dragons tall played 16 matches for the Seagulls, was named among the side’s best three times and kicked 11 goals playing in a variety of roles. Another summer in the gym should see Roberts placed in good stead for more opportunities in 2014.

Stat that mattered:

Despite playing much of the season as a swingman, the 20-year-old still managed to hit the scoreboard frequently. Kicking 10 goals from four games in the VFL development league, Roberts still managed 11 goals in 12 games in Williamstown’s senior side – including four multiple goal games.

What they said:

“Roberts played back for most of the day and was very, very solid as a defender. Read the flight of the ball well and took a lot of intercept marks. Then went forward and had an impact as well in the last quarter.

– Development Manager Chris Maple after the round five clash against Collingwood

Pre-season focus:

Versatility has been a key component to the 20-year-old’s game and that is set to continue in 2014, working on both his forward and defensive craft over summer. While his body positioning has been seen as a strength of Roberts, adding size to his frame and continuing to grow in stature will help him outmuscle his opponents even more regularly.