Saint’s season end

DYLAN Roberton will sit out the 2019 season with an ongoing heart condition, though the St Kilda defender has not ruled out the possibility of resuming his career in 2020.

Roberton only played four matches last year before collapsing on-field during a game against Geelong.

The 27-year-old suffered another incident of heart irregularity — the cause of which remains unknown — during a recent pre-season game in Ballarat. Roberton had previously undergone extensive testing from cardiologists and had a defibrillator installed before completing a full pre-season.

“It’s extremely frustrating because I physically feel fine, and if you exclude those two incidents, I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been,” Roberton said.

“Unfortunately, I need to listen to the professionals and take more time. I still have a great desire to play at the highest level and want to make sure we look at every possibility.” ESSENDON has suffered another major blow in the lead-up to the AFL season, with key forward Joe Daniher to miss at least four matches with a calf injury.

Daniher, 25, was kicked in the calf at training on Thursday and will be sidelined for at least four weeks, including next weekend’s Round 1 clash against GWS. The 2017 All-Australian did not play after Round 7 last year because of a groin injury.

The Bombers will also be without key defender Cale Hooker for the opening four rounds of the season after he suffered a calf injury.

“Joe was progressing strongly in his recovery from an unrelated injury, so this soft-tissue setback is clearly disappointing for both him and the club,” Essendon general manager of football Dan Richardson said.

“However, Joe remains positive and is committed towards his rehabilitation program.”