We raise the bat today for Shane Robertson’s half century.
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Career: 1983-1991
Debut: Round 13, 1983 vs Footscray, aged 19 years, 173 days
910th Carlton Player
Games: 80
Goals: 23
Last game: Round 8, 1991 vs Hawthorn, aged 27 years, 135 days
Guernsey No. 38 (1983 – 1991).
Height: 179cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 27 December, 1963
Premiership Player: 1987
Wearing guernsey #38, Robertson was a successful midfielder / flanker for Carlton in the 1980’s. Playing 80 games, Robertson kicked 23 goals in some of Carlton’s successful teams of the era. Shane Robertson a natural left-footer, was an outstanding junior footballer who was on the Carlton radar for a few years being recruited from within its local zone, he was recruited from VAFA club North Melbourne Old Boys.
Robertson played in Carlton’s 1987 Grand Final victory over the Hawks. Prior to that victory, he and fellow Blue, Warren McKenzie played in three straight losing Grand Finals for the Blues, they were 1984 and 1985 Reserve Grand Finals, and the 1986 Senior Grand Final. Robertson always had a red-hot go when representing the Blues in his workmanlike style, he could play in various roles with the Blues but was best suited as a run-with player and was used to shutdown the opposition stars. Whilst ‘Robbo’ may never have been one of the Blues highest profile players, he will always be remembered as a player who had a red hot go everytime he ran out in the Navy Blue guernsey.
Apart from playing in 80 games, Robertson is best remembered for 2 additional points; 1) his role in the 1987 Premiership for the Blues, and 2) his distinctive t-shirt style jumper that he would wear on occasion.
Robertson later coached Hepburn in the Central Highlands League. Whilst acting as player coach in 1994, Robertson suffered one of the more severe injuries imaginable playing football. He dislocated his neck and spent weeks in traction. In typical gutsy style, Robertson did his best to get back on the playing field before the end of the season. Robertson coached various country teams including a long stint at Daylesford that lasted up until 1997. He then moved to coach Castlemaine in 1998, and was still coaching the Magpies up until 2002.
Robertson also wore guernsey No. 39 (1982), 44 (1983) and No. 60 (1982) whilst playing with Carlton reserves.
ilestones50 Games: Round 21, 1987 Vs Fitzroy
Career Highlights
1983 – Reserves Best Clubman Award
1983 – Night Premiership Player
1984 – 2nd Reserves Best & Fairest
1985 – 3rd Reserves Best & Fairest
1985 – Reserves Best Clubman Award
1987 – Premiership Player
1990 – Reserves Premiership Player