Talented, but luckless Tiger ‘tall’ David Astbury is enjoying the best pre-season of his league career to date, and he’s determined to build on that during the season proper in 2016.
Astbury has managed just 41 senior games in six seasons at Richmond, enduring a variety of injuries throughout.
He made only four appearances with Richmond’s senior side last season, but excelled at VFL level with the Tigers, both in defence and up forward.
Win the 2016 Tigers Golden Ticket by becoming a Richmond member
“It’s been well documented that my pre-seasons thus far have been pretty interrupted. So, to have a good run at it so far, has been really promising, Astbury told ‘Sportsday’.
“Hopefully, I can showcase that on Friday this week (v Fremantle in the opening round of the NAB Challenge).”
Although Astbury has the versatility to be used effectively at both ends of the ground, it’s as a defender where he sees himself fitting into Richmond’s line-up this season.
“I’ve done nothing but train in the back half so far this pre-season, and that’s where I’ll be playing my footy this year,” he said.
“Working with Ben Rutten and ‘Jacka’ (Ross) Smith, our defensive co-ordinator, as well as some established players down there – in particular Alex Rance – I feel like I’ve had a really good pre-season . . .
“I’m really looking forward to the season starting.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes Astbury has plenty to offer the Tigers’ backline at senior level . . .
“Dave’s had a wonderful pre-season,” Hardwick said.
“He’s a player that’s been around for a long period of time, but hasn’t played a lot of football.
“He’s one of those guys we’re hoping can stand up down that back six.
“He had a pretty good year VFL-wise, we just couldn’t quite fit him in the side . . .
“We’re looking forward to him being a regular AFL player this year.”
