WASPs legend Robertson notches 300-game milestone

After nearly 20 years, and a self-confessed ‘long journey’ at the WASPs Hockey Club, Paul Robertson is set to kit up for his 300^th first grade match this Saturday 26 August against Reds Hockey Club at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

Following this weekend’s game, he will become one of just four WASPs men to achieve the milestone 300 games (joining Murry McIntyre 575, Chris Munro 427 and Joel Mitton 313*).

Robertson joined WASPs at the age of 13, playing in their junior divisions until 2009, when he made his Premier League debut at 18 years of age, and making him the 112^th player to take the field for their Men's first grade side.

He says he can still remember how daunting it was as a high school student lining up next to such an amazing group of high level and Australian players.

“I actually joined the team and played my first few seasons as a half back, which is a long way from where I ended up as a high striker,” Robertson said.

Where he ended up was also the fifth highest goal-scorer in the WASPs men’s first grade, with a career total of a staggering 89 goals. This, Robertson admits, is one of the statistics he is most proud of over his hockey career.

‘And scoring five – the most I’ve ever scored in a match – in one game against Tyler Lovell. No one can take that away from me,” Robertson said.

WASPs teammate Brandon Gibbs also credits him as high achiever across his career.

“He is one of the most consistent players in the team,” Gibbs said.

"It’s reflected by the fact that his career playing average sits at 21 games a season, including finals campaigns.”

When asked about his favourite memory over his time playing in WASPs’ Premier League team, he said there were too many moments to narrow down to just one but admitted his 2019 Grand Final holds a special place in his heart.

“I feel like I was quite inexperienced playing in our finals in the years before then,” Robertson said.

“But the 2019 win, after our freakish run to finals, and being more of a senior in the team, really meant something to me as a player.”

After so many successful years at the top, and recently becoming a father, Paul says he can feel his illustrious Premier League career is sadly coming close to its end.

He attributes his personal and WASPs successes to the club’s great culture and player involvement, saying that their senior team’s involvement in developing the junior grades through the coaching and programs they have to offer has been a pleasure to watch and be a part of.

“I’m so glad and honoured to get to 300,” Robertson said.

“Especially being able to play alongside some of the guys I coached back in the day – it’s a real full circle moment to watch them dominate and make the club proud.”

Robertson’s WASPs side will take on Reds Hockey Club in the final round of the season from 3.30pm Saturday 26 August at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.