In a special series leading up to the 2017 AFL national draft, richmondfc.com.au examines the Tigers’ construction of their drought-breaking premiership team this year via the competition’s main talent acquisition pathway throughout the past decade. Today, we turn our attention to Richmond’s recruitment of David Astbury.
With its third pick (No. 35 overall) in the 2009 AFL national draft, Richmond chose young, tall, key-position player David Astbury, who had been a consistently impressive performer for TAC Cup team North Ballarat Rebels.
Here’s what the Tiger talent scouts had to say about Astbury following his drafting . . .
“David originates from his family’s farm near Tatyoon in Victoria’s Ararat district.
“Throughout 2007 and 2008, he was a boarder at Caulfield Grammar in Melbourne. In 2009, he moved back to Ballarat to concentrate on his football with the Rebels, where he carried the honour of co-captain.
“David has been a member of the North Ballarat Rebels team for the past two seasons, playing four games in 2008 and 10 in 2009.
“This year, David played as his team’s versatile swingman, playing in attack to provide a strong marking option, as well as in defence to take the opposition’s best forward.
“David was at his best up forward in Round 5 against the Western Jets, where he tallied 18 possessions, 12 marks and three goals from centre half-forward.
“He was regularly thrown back and forward during the same game – wherever he was needed to provide a strong presence for his team in a key position.
“A member of the Vic Country side in the under-18 national championships, David was again used in a mix of forward and defending roles, averaging 14 possessions and four marks per game.
“David is a very long, efficient kick of the football and makes good decisions in the heat of battle.
“He has very clean hands in the air and at ground level, highlighting his ability to be an option in defence or attack.
“The Club will be looking to further develop David in the key positions, with a continued focus on his aerial ability and long kicking game.”
David Astbury in his own words pre-draft
What type of player are you?
An athletic and mobile tall, who can play at either end of the ground. Predominantly a leading half-forward.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt, because he's a hard-working half-forward who plays high up the ground similar to me when I play that position.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism, versatility, endurance and agility for a tall.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Strength and power off the mark (speed) and consistency.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Melbourne Demons. My father has supported them for his entire life and encouraged me to follow them, too.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Jack Ziebell, because he gave me an understanding of what is required at a more elite junior level and we trained together with great professionalism.
David Astbury AFL fact file
Debut: Round 1, 2010 v Carlton, MCG
Games: 85
Goals: 8
Honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 premiership team
