St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton has today announced his AFL retirement, effective immediately.

The decision comes following a two-month hiatus during which Roberton weighed up his post-football options.

“I’ve come to a point where I need to put my family and future first,” Roberton said.

“But after lengthy discussions with my family and on the advice of my doctors, I’ve made the extremely hard decision to hang up the boots.

“I’m so grateful for the support of the entire St Kilda Football Club, particularly Dr Tim Barbour and Tony Brown, whose support and friendship has been unwavering over the past three years in particular.

“To my teammates and coaches at both St Kilda and Fremantle, thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. 

“To the Saints fans, thank you for all your support and for embracing me as soon as I arrived at the club.

“Lastly, to Amy, the kids and all my family and friends, thank you for your support.”

Senior Coach Brett Ratten said the club would continue to support Roberton.

“Dylan is a much loved and well respected member of our club,” Ratten said.

“He should be really proud of how he has dealt with everything life has thrown at him – it’s a real credit to his character.

“During his time off training, he’s really embraced the challenge of supporting the football program. 

“Dylan has a great footy brain and he’ll remain an asset to our program for the remainder of 2021.

“He has our full support in this decision, and Dylan, Amy, Boston, Henry and Pip will always be part of the Saints family.”

Roberton was drafted to the Fremantle Football Club with pick 49 in the 2009 AFL Draft. 

After playing 37 games with the Dockers, he joined the Saints at the end of the 2012 season. 

Roberton quickly became a staple of St Kilda’s backline, going on to play 92 games in the red, white and black. 

Roberton capped off a career-best season in 2017 with selection in the extended All-Australian squad and a runner-up placing in the Trevor Barker Award.