We continue our gradual release of the Tigers’ Team of the 21st Century by today revealing the first of the interchange players – David Astbury.
David Astbury
On-field position: Key defender
Games in the 2000s (2010-19): 129
Goals: 9
Playing achievements/honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 and 2019 premiership teams
Top 10 finishes in Jack Dyer Medal: One – 9th in 2019
HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century member, David Astbury
AFL career averages
Kicks: 7.9
Handballs: 5.2
Disposals: 13.1
Marks: 5.3
Rebound-50s: 2.5
Contested possessions: 4.4
Uncontested possessions: 8.7
Intercepts: 4.3
Score involvements: 1.6
Tackles: 1.2
One-percenters: 4.6
Metres gained: 150.2
Comment: Overcame a wretched run with injuries early in his AFL career to become an important member of the Tigers’ line-up. An extremely reliable, strong key defender, renowned for his impressive intercept marking. Has consistently displayed the ability to lock down the opposition’s biggest forwards and that, in turn, has helped his co-defenders flourish around him. Played a valuable role in the team’s 2017 and 2019 premiership triumphs.
Team of the 21st Century so far:
B: Vlastuin, Gaspar, Grimes
HB: Newman, Rance, Houli
C: Bowden, Prestia, Campbell
HF: Deledio, Richardson, Lambert
F: Edwards, Riewoldt, Ottens
R: Nankervis, Martin, Cotchin
I/C: Astbury
