Roberts, who played two matches for Richmond in 2010, arrived on the Border on Sunday and will play alongside fellow big-name recruit Troy Taylor against CDHBU at Coreen on Saturday.

Roberts, 26, played with Taylor at Wanderers in Darwin several years ago and is looking forward to reacquainting himself with his former teammate.

“My uncle (Martin White senior) is an assistant-coach at Walla and got me down here,” he said.

“I don’t know much about the football, but I’ll soon see.

“It will be good playing with Troy again.”

Roberts played for Northern Territory club Southern Districts this season and has previously spent time with Euroa, Arnhem Crows, Wanderers and NT Thunder.

He was picked up by Richmond in the third round of the 2010 rookie draft and made his debut in round 1 against Carlton before homesickness and disciplinary problems abruptly ended his AFL career.

White said he believed Roberts and Taylor had plenty to offer Walla as it tried climb back up the ladder.

“The younger local guys will learn a lot about football from Relton and Troy,” he said.

“Relton is a very skilful player who will play in the midfield.”

Walla has started the season impressively, after failing to win a match last year.

It has wins against Rand-Walbundrie and Murray Magpies in the first three rounds.

Taylor has been one of the major reasons for the Hoppers’ improved form with the enigmatic forward kicking four and 10 goals in their two wins.