Regarded by experts as one of the steals of the 2023 national draft, Archie Roberts is exhibiting some exciting traits in his early months as a Bomber.

Since arriving to the NEC Hangar via pick No.54 in last year’s draft, Roberts has been developing his game through the VFL, appearing in three practice matches and starring in round one’s clash against Brisbane.

Despite the VFL Bombers’ 37-point loss in the season-opener, Roberts thrived in a more advanced role on the wing, gathering 25 touches and hitting the scoreboard with a late goal.

After making the 2023 Under 18 All Australian side as a half back, Roberts admits that the transition to the wing has taken some adjustment, but the Bombers’ more experienced crop have helped him learn the ropes.

“I think the wing really suits me. It’s something a bit foreign, I played a little bit in my top-age year, but I’ve just been put into the position and I’ve loved it,” Roberts said.

“We’ve got a great group on the wing in ‘Duurs’ (Xavier Duursma), ‘Bull’ (Jake Kelly), and Elijah Tsatas, and I’ve been working pretty closely with them.

“They’re pretty experienced guys, they’ve been great to me and I’ve really found my spot there. I feel really confident playing the wing and got the structure down really well, so I think that’s the best position for me.”

The Bombers made a lively start to the contest against a Brisbane side that fielded 16 AFL-listed players, trailing by just seven points at the main change and adapting well to the blustery conditions at the NEC Hangar.

With the Lions’ third quarter blitz blowing out the margin, Roberts and the Bombers are looking to learn from their lapses and channel it into an improved performance next week.

“Our first half was really good. In the first quarter we were well into the game and then sort of lost it a bit after half-time,” Roberts said.

“They kicked five or six goals (and) there was a pretty heavy breeze that we defended really well but we let ourselves down in the third quarter. It was a contested and tough game, we’ll take a lot of positives out of it, but the loss is pretty tough.”

For Roberts, building relationships with both the Bombers’ VFL and AFL lists has been a key focus early in his first season with the club, establishing an on-field chemistry that can benefit his performance at any level.

While he’s happy with his start at VFL level, Roberts is clear in setting goals for himself to keep progressing through the year and try to break into the senior side.

“We’re trying to connect with the (VFL) boys really well and I think when I’m connecting with them, I play better,” Roberts said.

“It’s something I thrive on when I’m up and about and that helps me play at an individual level, but to me it’s (about) getting the win, I want to play finals with the boys and hopefully make my debut as well,” Roberts said.

“It’s great to play a good game as an individual but I would’ve loved to get the win.”

The VFL Bombers head to Roberts’ former local club Sandringham to face the Zebras in round two this Sunday.