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The former Fremantle defender revealed the mark he set in last Friday’s return run was the best he has recorded since his first season in Western Australia, back when he weighed 13 kilograms lighter.
“Since I’ve been at this weight, that’s been the best time I’ve run since I was weighing in at 75 kilos in my first year in the AFL,” Roberton said.
“I’ve been able to get my time done by doing everything with all the boys and trying to run with blokes who are better runners than me so it just pushes me harder.”
While Roberton hasn’t been far off the elite running group this summer, he lauded the work at the top of the endurance pyramid, led by Jarryn Geary, Jack Newnes, Seb Ross and Mav Weller, before praising Daniel McKenzie for his eye-catching summer to date.
“All the usual suspects are running really way; Gears and Newnesy, Sebby and Mav," he said.
“‘D-Mac’ has really jumped up this year too; he’s a good athlete so it’s good to see him taking his endurance to the next level."
“The off-season was really important for me to set a good base, rather than coming back behind the eight ball I wanted to make sure I was in front of that. I did a lot of swimming and stuck to the running program the club gave me, which will hopefully hold me in good stead.”
Having been managed through his maiden pre-season like all first-year players, and gradually exposed to more in his second summer, Lonie has been let off the leash this time around, where he has thrived on an increased workload.
“This is probably my first full pre-season where I’ve really done everything; it’s obviously much harder but at the same time it’s a bit more fulfilling come the end of the week when you’ve punched out three good sessions and you’re feeling good,” Lonie said.
“And that’s where I reckon I’ve improved as well, being constantly out on the track and getting everything done. I haven’t missed a session yet so hopefully I can continue that throughout the whole pre-season.”