ROBRAN, Jonathon

Jonathon Robran was originally from Norwood (SANFL) and came to Essendon after playing 75 games with Hawthorn. He was drafted by Hawthorn in 1992 but didn't play a senior game until 1995.

He was traded to Essendon in a complex trade which saw Andrew Ukovic go to Collingwood and Essendon received Robran and pick 40 which they used to select David Hille. Hawthorn received two draft picks from Collingwood.

Robran managed four games for the 2000 season when he was a fine contributor impressing with his marking and ground skills. He was also solid when he stepped in at full-back for an injured Dustin Fletcher against Carlton in Round 20. He was unluckily an emergency for the 2000 Grand Final win over Melbourne.

Robran struggled to cement his position in the strong Essendon side of 2001, but he became a consistent performer in the VFL, polling Best and Fairest votes in 11 of 20 games and winning the VFL Trainers award. He played in every key position and his experience was critical in a number of tight matches. Unfortunately, limited opportunities saw him delisted at the end of the 2001 season.

He returned to Norwood and played there until 2004.

Robran's elder brother, Matthew, played 130 games for Adelaide. Their father, Barry, was a North Adelaide legend.