'Fight of his life': Gavin Robertson hit with 'heartbreaking' diagnosis

Former Australian Test cricketer Gavin Robertson is facing the ‘fight of his life’ against brain cancer following the recent discovery of a tumour.

Robertson played four Tests for Australia in 1998 and now works in the media in addition to a role with the AFL’s GWS Giants.

In a public post on Robertson’s Facebook page two weeks ago, the ex-cricketer’s family said he had a tumour removed on May 13.

“It’s all happened quickly but Dr Charlie Teo is his friend and he told him at 12pm Monday to get to his surgery and he operated five hours later,” the family wrote.

Robertson then responded to tweets about his health on May 21:

On Tuesday, May 28 – Robertson’s birthday – Macquarie Sports Radio host Matt Thompson revealed the former cricketer had received bad news.

“I want to wish our mate Gavin Robertson a happy birthday. I know he’s had happier birthdays than the one he’s experiencing right now,” Thompson said.

“But he has a wonderfully supporting family, great friends and many wellwishers among the supporting public.

“Sadly, the news for Gav is not great ... I received an update from Gavin’s family last evening and it’s bad news. Robbo is facing a very long fight.

“When one of the good guys is faced with a struggle like Gavin is, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“When I heard the news of his diagnosis last night I was numb. He’s a man who I’ve respected enormously for many years.

“He’s in for the fight of his life.”

Robertson, whose daughter Zoe is married to former GWS and current Hawthorn footballer Tom Scully, had been at the Giants-Hawks game with his family the day before his initial operation.

Robertson had recently appeared alongside a number of Australian and New Zealand sports stars on the TV show XVenture Family Challenge, competing to raise money for a charity foundation.

Cricket media identities shared their support for Robertson on Tuesday after news of his condition went public.