We continue our special post-season series revealing the thoughts of Richmond’s latest premiership heroes on that wonderful one day in September 2017. Today, valuable key defender David Astbury talks about the Tigers’ tremendous triumph.
Grand Final lead-up
“The support was unbelievable. Couldn’t put into context how big this football club is until the support that we received came through . . . The atmosphere here was a real buzz. We were given instruction to embrace it and make sure we enjoyed the opportunity that we had . . . We went about it really well and it didn’t at all affect our preparation.”
The big game itself
“I just knew that our contest method and our set-up behind the footy were really strong. And we’ve harped on about our connection . . . but it’s never been stronger than what it was on Grand Final day. I’m just so proud of everyone because we didn’t have a passenger. Everyone contributed and it was just an unbelievable team performance.”
His role in the Grand Final
“I spent most of the day on ‘Tex’ (Adelaide captain Taylor Walker), and a bit of time on Josh Jenkins as well. Their whole forward line’s a really dangerous look, so we knew we had to be on to get the job done against them. I think we prepared really well and executed on the day.”
At the final siren
“The elation was unbelievable. I was just so excited to get to my teammates and share it with them. It was just so loud and the emotion was just enormous. I got to ‘Rancey’ (Alex Rance) first. It’s no coincidence that we’re always pretty close to each other on the ground and it was just fitting that I got to him first . . . I didn’t have to go looking too far.”
The significance of being a premiership player
“It’s reward for effort over a long period of time for me. I’ve been pretty lucky over the last few days that I’ve been able to acknowledge all the people who supported me through adversity, in particular. I wouldn’t be a premiership player without them. There are always bumps in the road, and mine might have been a little bit thicker than what other people have endured, but I just wouldn’t change a thing . . . The hardships I went through were pretty difficult at the time, but I’m just so proud that I’m a premiership player at the Club who drafted me. It’s just a great feeling.”
His Tigerland journey
“The year that I came here was the same time as Dustin (Martin), ‘Grimesy’ (Dylan Grimes) and ‘Griffo’ (Ben Griffiths) . . . The journey, particularly with them, has been awesome. That was ‘Dimma’s’ (Damien Hardwick) first season, too. So we’ve been here since the start of Dimma’s reign. There are guys that have been here longer than us, like Jack (Riewoldt), Shane (Edwards), Rancey and ‘Cotch’ (Trent Cotchin). They have been here for a long time, all one-club players, and it’s so good for them to be rewarded for their commitment to this football club.”
The close-knit backline group
“I think it’s been well documented publicly that our continuity together has been a real key . . . but the pressure that’s getting put on the footy up the field is something I keep reiterating, because that’s a real strength of our footy club. The pressure’s enormous from our midfielders and, particularly, our small forwards. Those guys have come a long way and their contribution has been unbelievable.”
2018 expectations
“A few people have said to me that there’s no point making it to the top of the mountain if you don’t have a look around while you’re up there. There are a lot of guys that were probably unlucky this year missing out and I want to commend them for their contribution. I know that they’ll come back really hungry, in really good shape, and they’re going to make this footy club better . . . I think that’s where a lot of improvement’s going to come from.”
The Tiger Army
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support that we get. The Tiger Army is just something else! We’re so glad that we could break a 37-year drought and give those people some happiness, because they’re just so passionate and so loyal . . . We can’t wait for their on-going support.”
