David Astbury

Recruited from the North Ballarat Rebels with pick 35 in the 2009 National Draft, David Astbury endured a tumultuous start to his AFL career before establishing himself as a defensive pillar. While initially identified as a long-term key position prospect, his development was severely hampered by a series of significant setbacks, including recurring patella dislocations, hip issues, and a foot stress fracture that restricted him to minimal football between 2014 and 2016. His perseverance through these injury-plagued years became a defining characteristic of his tenure at Punt Road, eventually allowing him to overcome questions about his durability to become a mainstay in the senior lineup.

Once his body held up, Astbury flourished as a reliable lockdown defender who preferred physical contests over rebounding flair. Often tasked with nullifying the opposition's strongest key forward, his ability to spoil and engage in one-on-one wrestling matches was crucial to Richmond's defensive structure, providing the stability that allowed teammates like Alex Rance and Dylan Grimes the freedom to intercept. This selfless approach made him an integral member of the Tigers' dynasty, resulting in three premiership medallions in 2017, 2019, and 2020 before he retired at the end of the 2021 season as a Richmond Life Member.