Russell Robertson Biography

Russell Robertson has thrown himself into a rigorous pre-season training program in a desperate bid to revive his AFL career.

"It was completely a situational thing at Melbourne and I understand that, but I still have lots to give," Robertson said.

"The passion to be at my best and contribute is still burning away in the guts. I still think I can kick my 40 or 50 goals a season and provide that exuberance and that excitement, because that's what I do."

Russell Robertson announces his attention to play on next year despite being told by the Demons that his services are no longer required at the club.

"As a footballer, I don't think it's over," Robertson said.

"I still think there is some good running left in my legs.

"I think I've still got some value. If there's a club out there that requires the services of someone like me, then I will definitely put my hand up.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what I can still produce, hopefully that eventuates."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the club will do all it can to help Russell Robertson continue in the AFL at another club.

"He's very determined and he wants the chance to play again," Bailey said.

"And if he gets that chance, we'll shake his hand and we'll wish him all the best, because he's given everything to the Melbourne footy club."

Russell Robertson's is understood to have been told by the Melbourne Demons that he will not be offered a new contract in 2010, effectively ending his career at 30 years of age in round 22 this year.

The playing future of Melbourne forward Russell Robertson remains unclear beyond this year.

"Robbo is an interesting one. His form was OK in the last couple of weeks and all of a sudden you see some opportunities being given to Petterd, Jurrah and Matthew Bate has been reasonably consistent," Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said.

"At the end of the year, we'll sit down and discuss our list management and I'm sure there'll be lots of players discussed and he'll be one of them."

Russell Robertson is adamant his colourful goal celebrations have not been shelved despite a strangely subdued performance at Subiaco on Sunday.

"There's no truth at all to it. I haven't been told to stop at all," Robertson said.

"To be completely honest with you, I had the flu all week leading into the West Coast game. Before the goal where Matthew Bate kicked it to me and I ran in, I was absolutely stuffed.

"I go down and lean on my knees. I was ready to throw up. I was all dizzy. I can understand exactly what you're thinking, but that is the truth."

Dean Bailey today admitted he was tempted to recall goalkicker Russell Robertson for Sunday's game against Adelaide at the MCG.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't (tempted). But I think he needs another game," Bailey said.

"I spoke to Russell a couple of weeks ago and said I thought he was a couple of full games and a couple of weeks of training away. He played and he trained well this week.

"He has pulling up very well after the games. It was a big test last week playing at night at Casey, how his achilles pulled up the next day and he was good.

"So another full game this weekend and, if he trains well and pulls up well, I think he would be a good chance for next week."

Russell Robertson has spoken of the pain of copping jibes in the street for being part of the "pathetic" club of the AFL.

Melbourne forward Russell Robertson has pulled up well after his first match since June.

Robertson suffered a serious achilles injury against St Kilda in round 10 last year, but played his first match for Casey Scorpions against Coburg Tigers in the final round of the VFL practice matches last weekend.

Robertson booted a goal in his comeback and Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said the high-leaping goalkicker was in "a bubbly mood" after pulling up OK.

Melbourne forward Russell Robertson will make his long-awaited return to football on the weekend when he plays for the Demons' VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions.

Robertson severely injured his achilles playing against St Kilda in round 10 last year, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.

Russell Robertson has been forced to adjust his pre-season training program to overcome scar tissue problems in his foot.

Russell Robertson is cleared of charging Bulldog Cameron Wight after being booked in the final quarter of their pre-season practice match in Bendigo.