We continue our gradual release of the Tigers’ Team of the 21^st Century by today revealing the first of the interchange players – David Astbury.

David Astbury

On-field position: Key defender

Games in the 2000s (2010-19): 129

Goals: 9

Playing achievements/honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 and 2019 premiership teams

Top 10 finishes in Jack Dyer Medal: One – 9^th in 2019

HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century member, David Astbury

AFL career averages

Kicks: 7.9

Handballs: 5.2

Disposals: 13.1

Marks: 5.3

Rebound-50s: 2.5

Contested possessions: 4.4

Uncontested possessions: 8.7

Intercepts: 4.3

Score involvements: 1.6

Tackles: 1.2

One-percenters: 4.6

Metres gained: 150.2

Comment: Overcame a wretched run with injuries early in his AFL career to become an important member of the Tigers’ line-up. An extremely reliable, strong key defender, renowned for his impressive intercept marking. Has consistently displayed the ability to lock down the opposition’s biggest forwards and that, in turn, has helped his co-defenders flourish around him. Played a valuable role in the team’s 2017 and 2019 premiership triumphs.

Team of the 21st Century so far:

B: Vlastuin, Gaspar, Grimes
HB: Newman, Rance, Houli
C: Bowden, Prestia, Campbell
HF: Deledio, Richardson, Lambert
F: Edwards, Riewoldt, Ottens
R: Nankervis, Martin, Cotchin
I/C: Astbury