Robertson's AFL Journey: From Brisbane Lions to West Coast Eagles
The career of Robertson in the Australian Football League (AFL) has been marked by flashes of brilliance, a viral moment of resilience, and a determined move across the country to revitalize his professional standing. From his early days in Queensland to his recent transition to Western Australia, Robertson has navigated the highs of Grand Finals and the lows of significant injury.
Early Career with the Brisbane Lions (2020–2022)
Robertson entered the professional scene in 2020, making his highly anticipated debut in Round 1 against Hawthorn at the MCG. His initial years were characterized by steady growth and increasing reliability within the Brisbane Lions squad. By 2021, he had established himself as a consistent contributor, playing 16 games and securing a two-year contract extension.
The 2022 season saw Robertson play a pivotal role during the high-pressure environment of the finals series. He appeared in all three of Brisbane's finals matches, delivering a standout performance in the Preliminary Final where he recorded 17 disposals and 10 tackles.
Viral Moments and Grand Final Heartbreak (2023–2025)
The 2023 season brought Robertson unexpected fame due to a peculiar incident during a Round 23 match against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium. During the game, his guernsey was ripped; Robertson continued to play in the damaged shirt until a tackle by Beau McCreery forced him to remove it entirely. This moment captured the public's imagination, resulting in over 20,000 new Instagram followers and the auctioning of the ripped shirt for the Royal Children’s Hospital charity.
On the field, Robertson played 18 games in 2023, culminating in a Grand Final appearance against Collingwood. Although the Lions suffered a loss, Robertson managed to score a goal in the championship match. Despite rumors of a potential move to Western Australia, he signed a two-year extension at the end of 2023, committing himself to Brisbane through the 2025 season.
Transition to the West Coast Eagles
Despite his success in the reserves—where he was named in the VFL (Victorian Football League) Team of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 and shared the Brisbane Lions Reserves Best & Fairest Award with Luke Beecken—Robertson's opportunities at the senior AFL level dwindled. He managed only six senior appearances across two seasons.
Seeking more game time, Robertson requested a trade to the West Coast Eagles. To facilitate this move, he was delisted by Brisbane at the end of the 2025 season, allowing him to join the Eagles via the Supplementary Selection Period (a window allowing clubs to recruit players outside the primary draft).
On November 25, 2025, the West Coast Eagles officially announced his arrival. Robertson debuted for the Eagles in Round 1 of the 2026 season against the Gold Coast Suns. Despite a 59-point loss, he was a standout performer with 17 disposals, 12 tackles, and 5 clearances.
Career Milestones and Recent Setbacks
Robertson continued his momentum into the early stages of 2026, playing his 50th AFL match in Round 3, which resulted in a narrow 2-point victory over Port Adelaide.
However, his progress was halted in Round 5 of the 2026 season. During a collision with Mitchell Edwards in a match against the Geelong Cats, Robertson suffered a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), a severe knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Debut: Round 1, 2020 vs. Hawthorn.
- Career Milestone: Played 50th AFL match in Round 3, 2026.
- Accolades: VFL Team of the Year (2024, 2025) and joint Brisbane Reserves Best & Fairest winner.
- Charity Impact: Ripped 2023 guernsey auctioned for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
- Current Status: Sidelined for the rest of 2026 due to an ACL tear.
| Period | Club | Key Achievement/Event | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2022 | Brisbane Lions | Preliminary Final standout (2022) | Established starter |
| 2023 | Brisbane Lions | Grand Final appearance; Viral guernsey incident | Contract extended |
| 2024–2025 | Brisbane Lions | VFL Team of the Year (x2) | Delisted for trade |
| 2026–Present | West Coast Eagles | 50th game milestone | Season-ending ACL injury |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Robertson leave the Brisbane Lions?
Despite winning the Reserves Best & Fairest and being named in the VFL Team of the Year, Robertson's senior AFL opportunities were limited to six games across 2024 and 2025, leading him to request a trade to the West Coast Eagles.
What was the significance of the ripped guernsey incident?
During a 2023 match against Collingwood, Robertson's shirt was ripped. The incident went viral, gaining him over 20,000 Instagram followers, and the shirt was auctioned to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
How did Robertson join the West Coast Eagles?
He was delisted by the Brisbane Lions at the end of the 2025 season, which enabled him to be signed by the West Coast Eagles during the Supplementary Selection Period on November 25, 2025.
What is Robertson's current injury status?
Robertson tore his ACL during a collision with Mitchell Edwards in Round 5 of the 2026 season against the Geelong Cats and will miss the rest of the year.
How did he perform in his debut for West Coast?
Despite a heavy 59-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns in Round 1 of 2026, Robertson was one of the best players on the field, recording 17 disposals, 12 tackles, and 5 clearances.