[3] He was a solidly built player with a reputation for aggressive play, fronting the AFL Tribunal on many occasions.

In 2004, he was involved in the 'Line in the Sand' incident, in which Hawthorn and Essendon engaged in an all-out brawl during the third quarter of their round 11 match.

New coach Alastair Clarkson chose Vandenberg because he was a man who was "very forthright, honest and has great integrity", qualities his teammates admired.

Vandenberg's 2007 season was marred by injuries, and retired at the end of the year after leading the Hawks to their most successful campaign since 2001.

[7] In 2016, Vandenberg was appointed to the Hawthorn board to fill the casual vacancy following Andrew Newbold's resignation.