We continue our special post-season series presenting the thoughts of Richmond’s latest premiership heroes on that wonderful one day in September 2019. Today, key defender David Astbury has his say on the Tigers’ glorious triumph.
Alex Rance's influence
"He was still so invested and such a massive part of the process we had throughout season 2019. I don’t think we would have advanced as well as we did without the work that he did off-field. The way he attacked his rehab was extraordinary, his guidance throughout the week was so helpful for people like me, it was like having another individual coach...When the system’s best player goes out, the actual system is really tested. We got a good gauge on how good our defensive work was when Rancey stepped out...There was a responsibility that fell on everyone else and some more than others, but Rancey really galvanised us even though he wasn’t taking the field on the weekends."
Grand Final lead-up
"The Club’s been amazing in just being able to allow us to enjoy the build-up. We had six players that were heading into a Grand Final for the first time, they brought a new element of excitement for us. We knew how the week was going to go, the ins and outs of it, but we were also really excited for them. I love the captain’s run...and a lot of people from my home club came down to watch the training, it was really good to be able to share that with them."
The big game itself
"I knew I just had to play a fundamental game and just be a part of the defensive system and work with the other guys. On the day, I think I handled that relatively well. At different stages throughout the game I was essentially absent from where the ball was but I think that’s the beauty of the way everyone played on the day...To be able to keep a grand finalist to three goals in the game, I think that’s a testament of how selfless the group is and how particular people want to take a step back and be a part of the process without getting any individual recognition. That’s essentially how a lot of us saw the day and that’s the sort of things that writes history."
Staying focused throughout the game regardless of the score
"I just wanted to make sure we had four quarters of football to be proud of. Upon reflection, we (had) 120 minutes of exceptional football and I don't let my thoughts think about the outcome too much. I just really want to make sure that I’m invested in the process. We have such a good process and at different stages it would have been easy for me to think 'we’ve got this sewn up' but I was more so just thinking 'I’m so proud of the group for executing for so long because it would be easy to go away from it given how dominant our performance was."
At the final siren
"I was stepping out of the goal square as the siren went. Grimesy (Dylan Grimes) and I were the deepest two, which I guess is a good resemblance of how the actual season was. So it was awesome to get to him first and I just thanked him immediately for what he’s done for me and how proud I am of him. He had an enormous responsibility this year and he could not have handled it any better."
Pride for Tiger teammates
"It was such a real thrill to see every player on the list have a Richmond jumper on. I feel like that's a really good representation of where we’re at and where we’re going. It was awesome to not have something like that segregate the playing 22 from the rest of our list, because it certainly takes a whole list to win a premiership and there’s not a player on the list that I’m not proud of."
