Archie Roberts has been named Essendon’s Liberty Player of the Month for rounds six to nine. 

Continuing his hot start to the season, the young defender has placed himself atop the total disposal count in the AFL (tied with Geelong’s Bailey Smith).

The 20-year-old has become key in distributing the ball from behind the play, often using his foot skills to help initiate disposal chains from the defensive 50.

Also leading the league in effective disposals (255), Roberts has become a composed head within the side, especially noticeable against the Giants in round nine, where he tied his career-high disposals (42) with 32 being effective.

Roberts also has been efficient at generating turnovers behind the ball, an equal second in total intercept marks (11) at the club.

Only 37 games into his career, Roberts has quickly become a key pillar amongst the Bombers young contingent.