Reliable Richmond key defender David Astbury’s achievement in reaching the AFL 100-game milestone has taken on greater significance because of the hardships he’s endured along the way.

A horror injury run from 2011-15 meant it took Astbury until last Saturday night against GWS, deep into his ninth season of league football, to chalk up a century of games.

But the fact it’s taken so long has made Astbury more appreciative of his time at Tigerland.

“It’s no secret that there was a fair bit of adversity that I had to fend off amongst that time to get to 100 games. It just means a lot because I can reflect on the journey and the people who supported me all the way through,” Astbury told ‘Roar Vision’.

“The most important thing about my football career is being able to share it with the people that I love. And this football club is so big on connection it gives me a great opportunity to do that.

“I just love being here. Some days I just can’t believe how lucky I am.

“It’s amazing to be at a club and you have 98,000 members and get to play in front of big crowds with my best mates.

“I don’t think football’s going to get any better.”

Astbury also revealed the special relationship he reveals with the previous owner of the No. 12 Richmond guernsey, goalkicking great Matthew Richardson . . .

“He’s the greatest Tiger that I can remember, ‘Rick’. And it’s given me an excuse to get to know ‘Richo’,” he said.

“One thing that I like to think I could carry on in the No. 12 is his humility, because I don’t have his talent.

“Rich and I catch up from time to time and have a beer and maybe go watch some live music.

“He’s just an awesome guy and I’m humbled every time I take the field in No. 12.”