ROBERTS, Ken

Ken Roberts was a talented utility player, half-back and forward, who was recruited from Essendon Baptists-St John's to the Essendon Under 19s in 1970. He earned a share of the limelight when Essendon moved up the ladder under Des Tuddenham.

He only managed one senior game in 1971 but had a good year in the Reserves, winning the Reserves Most Consistent Final Series award.

He kicked six goals against North Melbourne in Round 7, 1973, but unfortunately severely injured his knee later that year in Round 16 against Geelong. It took him some time to overcome and he didn't return to senior football till Round 6 the following year. But the injury had robbed him of his pace.

He had his best year in 1976 when he finished fifth in the Best and Fairest award.

Roberts was cleared to Melbourne in 1978 where he played a total of 12 games between 1978 and 1979. He played with Essendon-Tullamarine in late 1979.

He was appointed captain-coach of Lavington in New South Wales in 1980 where he remained until 1984, winning one premiership in 1983.

Roberts then moved to Queensland to become captain-coach of Kedron in 1985 and then assistant coach of Western Districts in 1986.

He returned to Essendon in 1991 as assistant to the Reserves coach and served as recruitment officer from 1994 to 1999.

His father, Ken senior, played 58 games with Richmond between 1947 and 1951.