Russell Robertson

Infobox afl player | firstname = Russell
lastname = Robertson




birthdate = Birth date and age|1978|11|24|df=y
birthplace = Tasmania
heightweight = 184cm / 93kg
originalteam = Burnie, Tasmania
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
debutdate = Round 20, August 15, 1997
debutteam = Melbourne Demons
debutopponent = West Coast Eagles
debutstadium = W.A.C.A. Ground
playingteams = Melbourne Demons (1997—)

215 games, 399 goals
coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = 2008
careerhighlights =

*International Rules series 2005
*Melbourne leading goal kicker 2005

Russell Robertson (born 24 November 1978) is an Australian rules footballer, and currently plays for the Melbourne Football Club.

Robertson grew up in the small town of Penguin, Tasmania, where he attended high school between 1991 and 1994 [Television interview from "It Takes Two"] but was recruited from Burnie, Tasmania, after recruiters saw him in a home video featured on The Footy Show's "Almost Footy Legends" segment.

Robertson was drafted by the Demons and made his debut in the 1997 season. He has become known as one of the game's best high-flying forwards, taking numerous "Marks of the Week" (putting him in the running for Mark of the Year, however he has never won the award) and twice leading club goal kicking. Robertson is known for his sometimes miraculous snap shots at goal as much as his accurate set shot kicking.

In 2005, he played for Australia in his first International Rules series against Ireland. He was unlucky to miss All-Australian selection despite finishing 3rd in the Coleman medal with 73 goals, and deadly accuracy with only 30 behinds. In the same season he achieved a personal best haul of 7 goals against Geelong in round 20, kicking bags of 6 goals on four other occasions.

In 2007, he started the season strongly, kicking a handful of goals against the Saints in the Demons 31 point loss, including a miraculous snap shot whilst sitting on the ground in the goal square. In Round 2 against the Hawks on Easter Monday, Robertson landed awkwardly while trying to take one of his trademark high flying marks and injured the medial ligament in his knee, along with David Neitz who suffered the same injury, and missed up to 7 weeks of football.

Returning from injury, Robertson hit back to his best, kicking 7 goals against Collingwood in the traditional Queen's Birthday game at the MCG in Round 11.

Robertson recently signed a new two-year deal with the Demons which will see him to the end of the 2009 season.

On 1 June 2008, Robertson snapped his achilles tendon in what could be a season-ending, and a career threatening, injury.

Non-football activities

Outside of football, Robertson is a musician, who has abilities in singing and playing guitar and has become somewhat of a television personality. Robertson is currently working on his first album.

He was featured in The Footy Show "Screamers" talent quest competition. Bands he has played in include "No Soup For You" and, more recently the "Russell Robertson Trio". [http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18174602%255E19769,00.html]

On 26 October 2006 Robertson married former Melbourne Storm cheerleader and aspiring actress Brooke Aust.

In February 2008 he was a contestant on the Australian television show Deal or No Deal. But he had a terrible game winning just $1.

Robertson also made an appearance in 2008 singing on the Australian television show It Takes Two with partner Kate Ceberano. Melbourne teammates David Neitz, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green and Jared Rivers made brief appearances supporting him in the audience. He later finished off 2nd in the competition.

He has since released an album titled "Higher", with Studio version of some of the songs he performed on the show, including Summer Of 69, Jessie's Girl & Eagle Rock. The album also contains a cover of Flame Trees with Kate Ceberano

References

External links

*Melbplayer|ref=14371
*AflRleague|ref=R/Russell_Robertson.html
*Russell Robertson Music website [http://www.russellrobertson.com.au]