It’s no coincidence that since promising, young, tall defender Ryan Garthwaite’s recall to the Richmond line-up, experienced key backman David Astbury has returned to top form.

Garthwaite came back into the senior side for the Round 8 clash with Fremantle after previously playing in Round 3 against Greater Western Sydney.

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He had 11 disposals, with five rebound-50s, nine one-percenters and took eight marks in a solid return.

Then, in the Round 9 victory over Hawthorn, he had 12 disposals, with three rebound-50s, nine one-percenters and took four marks.

In last Saturday night’s Dreamtime win against Essendon, he finished with seven disposals, three rebound-50s, two marks and 11 one-percenters.

Despite being just 20 years of age, and only six games into his AFL career, Garthwaite displays an on-field maturity that belies his football inexperience at the highest level.

He is cool under pressure, has an enormous work ethic, strong running ability, and plays within his capabilities, never biting off more than he can chew in a football sense.

Garthwaite’s dependability in defence for the Tigers has provided Astbury with renewed confidence to sag off his opponent and attack the football, instead of being predominantly preoccupied with negating, knowing that the level-headed youngster is back there to provide sturdy back-up.

And Astbury has been doing it extremely well.

Here’s how he has performed in the past three games, playing alongside Garthwaite . . .

Round 8 v Fremantle: 17 disposals, six rebound-50s, 11 marks.

Round 9 v Hawthorn: 20 disposals, four rebound-50s, 12 marks.

Round 10 v Essendon: 16 disposals, eight rebound-50s, six marks.