Richmond has shored up its backline for the long-term, as a result of valued defensive duo David Astbury and Oleg Markov signing contract extensions with the Club.

Astbury, who was out of contract at the end of this season, has been given a new three-year deal that will see him remain at Punt Road until at least the end of 2019.

Markov, in the first of a two-year deal with Richmond, has had his Tigerland tenure extended by a further season, to the end of 2018.

Lloyd, Hampson re-sign with Richmond

The 25-year-old Astbury has had the most consistent season of his AFL career in 2016.

After a horror injury run in recent years, the tall key defender has played his equal-most games (17) in any league season since debuting in 2010, and is averaging 13.8 disposals and 6.9 marks per match.

He is ranked 14^th among all players in the competition for marks per game, having taken a personal, league career-high 14 grabs against Collingwood at the MCG in Round 20.

“Having endured several injuries in his career, at only 25 years of age we feel Dave is entering his prime as a player,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football Dan Richardson.  

“He has provided our defence with stability this season, and we are sure he will continue to develop his game and leadership at the Club.  

“He’s worked hard, is held in high regard around the Club, and we feel the security of a three-year contract extension is well deserved.”

Markov, who was Richmond’s second pick (No. 50 overall) in the 2015 AFL National Draft, has been a revelation at senior level with the Tigers throughout the past few weeks as a rebounding defender.

The skilful, speedy 20-year-old is averaging 15.7 disposals and 6.8 marks per game since making his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in Round 16, and has injected some vital run-and-carry into the team’s backline.

He is ranked first among the competition’s ‘rising stars’ in marks per game and rebound-50s per game, second in kicks per game and uncontested possessions per game, and third in effective disposals per game.

“We’ve already seen some exciting signs from Oleg in the handful of games he’s played this season,” Richardson said.

“His speed, athleticism and decision-making are impressive and we’re really pleased with how he’s adapted to AFL level in his first season at the Club.”