Dependable Richmond tall premiership defender David Astbury is on the verge of a significant milestone.

Friday night’s big clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval will be Astbury’s 50^th consecutive match.

Only Dustin Martin (83) and Alex Rance (51) have a better games’ streak among the Tigers’ current-day players.

And, when you consider that Astbury could manage only 24 senior games in the five seasons from 2011-2015, because of a horror injury run, this achievement takes on greater meaning.

Astbury hasn’t missed a game since the 2016 ‘Dreamtime’ game against Essendon and has now played 96 all-up.

During the past couple of years, he has developed into a key member of Richmond’s backline through his intercept marking ability and disciplined defensive work.

At the midway mark of the 2018 home-and-away season, Astbury is averaging 15.1 disposals, 6.5 marks and 3.8 rebound-50s.

He is ranked 13^th in the competition for intercepts and 17^th for marks.