Nick Vlastuin shapes as valuable defensive reinforcement should Richmond require some assistance in shutting down Collingwood’s band of small forwards and dangerous resting midfielders in tomorrow night’s Round 2 blockbuster at the MCG, according to tall Tiger backman David Astbury.
Vlastuin has been redeployed to Richmond’s midfield this year, after establishing himself as a quality small defender in the first few years of his AFL career at Tigerland.
“That’s the beauty of Nick . . . he’s a really well-rounded footballer,” Astbury said.
“He can spend time forward, in the midfield, or definitely he’s been effective used in the back six.
“He’s someone if we get into a bit of strife back there, we can definitely stick him in the back six and he’ll always do a job.
“He’s just such a natural competitor, it doesn’t really matter where he plays, he’s always going to have an impact.
“We loved his pressure around the footy last week (against Carlton), for instance. I think he had 10 tackles in the first half.
“So, wherever he is, his presence is always felt, and he’s a valued member of our team.”
