2023 is set to be an intriguing year for Deven Robertson.  

Having been in and out of Chris Fagan’s side for the first half of the 2022 season, Robertson capitalised on his opportunities when handed them.  

Starting the season in the VFL side, the 21-year-old averaged 23.2 disposals in his first five matches, including a standout Round 6 performance at the SCG against Sydney.  

In an experienced midfield consisting of Mitch Robinson, Rhys Mathieson, Tom Berry and prospective number one pick, Will Ashcroft, Robertson was a class above.   

Finishing with 24 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and two goals, the West Australian showed his physical class around the contest and his ability to damage the scoreboard, a resource that was relatively untapped until this year.  

While he was an unused medical sub in Round 4 against Geelong, Robertson earned his first official call up of the year in Round 11 against GWS and did not waste his chances. 

Damaging with ball in hand, the young mid kicked two goals from 17 touches and played a part in seven score involvements.  

An unlucky omission following Brisbane’s loss to Melbourne in Round 15, Robertson returned to the VFL and was a key contributor in Brisbane’s upset win over previously undefeated Casey, finishing with 30 touches and three goals.  

However, it was his work in the Finals series that showed glimpses of the player he can become.   

Tasked with shutting down dangerous Richmond mid, Dion Prestia, Robertson kept the livewire to just 12 touches until half-time while collecting 12 touches of his own and kicking a crucial goal for Brisbane late in the third quarter.   

A week later, the West Australian was tasked with one of AFL’s biggest jobs, shutting down Clayton Oliver in the first half of Brisbane's semi-final at the MCG.  

Robertson was physical at the stoppage and showcased his trademark ‘in and under’ work ethic, laying an equal game-high seven tackles and using the ball at an impressive 78.6% efficiency rate.   

He took that form into Brisbane’s Preliminary Final loss and was one of the Lions strongest performers with another game-high tackle count and 17 possessions.  

At times, Robertson’s defensive efforts halted opposition momentum and increased the Lions midfield pressure noticeably.  

It creates a welcome selection headache heading into the 2023 campaign and a massive pre-season as the Lions coaches figure out how their star-studded midfield looks.