“We had the old asphalt, sawdust-type courts,” he said.

“One year we had some big idea and chose to use crushed rubber. I think we did that for a couple of years and then we had sawdust again. About six or seven years ago we got these new hardcourts.

“I was on the committee when that happened. It’s unbelievable having these courts.”

Roberts believes he has been playing tennis at Brimpaen since he was almost 10 years old.

He is 59 now, so thinks he must be close to reaching half a century of service for the club.

“I’ve been playing for close to 50 years – the club has changed quite a bit in that time,” he said. 

Along with helping the club acquire its modern facilities, Roberts fondly remembers a host of premiership wins. 

He estimates he has won about 11 senior premierships, and finished runner-up in another six.

“One of my finest was B Special with six men and six ladies when we beat Kalkee,” he said.

“We beat them on lawn in the final in the 79-80 season. Another good one was in A Special against Clear Lake with four men and four ladies. The men only won one set, and I was lucky enough to get that set win.”

Tennis has always been a family affair for Roberts, with the 79-80 premiership made even more special by having his family around him.

“I played alongside my mother Val, brother Barry and sister Helen in the 79-80 win,” he said.

“We were all in the same premiership team, that was pretty special.”

Roberts has also played in the same premiership team as his daughters, Amanda and Brownyn.

“They were 11 or 12 at the time and they won the last set of the day to win the C Special premiership,” he said.

“They got our team over the line, so that was good.”

Outside of playing, Roberts has volunteered his time on the committee, and remembers taking on the role of president at a young age.

“When I was 19 I was president, but for just one year,” he said.

“Then later on I was president for another 15 years in a row. I’ve been involved for a quite a bit.”

Roberts has spent much of this season on the sidelines after injuring his leg, but hopes to be back on the court again next season.

“I’ve been injured this season – I did my Achilles in a match against Haven, but that’s given the young blokes more of a go,” he said.

“I want to be back next season – as long as I’m still shearing sheep it means I’m still fit enough to play tennis.”