A perennial cult figure among Swans fans, Roberts-Thomson showed his true value to the AFL world in 2012. 

Playing predominantly in the forward line, he doubled his career goals tally with 25 for the season. 

But he did not forget the defensive skills that gave him his start, switching into the backline as needed during the year, just as he did late in the Grand Final triumph over Hawthorn. 

Also able to pinch-hit in the ruck, Roberts-Thomson saves some of his best work for Grand Final day, and is now a dual-premiership player.

Draft history: 2001 National AFL Draft 2nd round zone selection (Sydney) No. 29 overall.

2013 Coaches Call

2012 was a really good year for Lewie. He’s such a versatile player and he played forward mainly, but also in the ruck and down back in the finals. He kicked over 20 goals and played a lot of important roles for us. It’s probably not seen on the outside the amount of work that he does that doesn’t result in possessions and he just works really hard and had a good year as a result.

Pre-season has been really good. He came back in good shape and is running really well and he’s done the majority of the skills, which is important. He’s had a good run so far.

We hope in 2013 that he keeps going as he’s done pretty much throughout his whole career. We just want him to compete and make a contest and continue to be a big man who plays his role, and if he does that again then he’ll have another good year.