In the second last of our special off-season series, Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke assesses the 2013 form and future prospects of tall defender David Astbury.
David Astbury profile
Born: 26/2/91
Height: 195cm
Weight: 96kg
Recruited from: Tatyoon (VIC)/North Ballarat Rebels TAC Cup team
Draft history: Selected by Richmond at pick 35 overall in the 2009 National Draft
AFL debut: Round 4, 2010 v Mlebourne, MCG
AFL games: 29
Goals: 7
Tim Clarke says: “When Dave was in the VFL, he played a key defensive role for us, with the odd time moving to shut down a smaller opponent.
That was for his development . . . to prove to the senior coaching staff that he could match up on smaller opposition players.
The highlight of Dave’s game this year was the way he read the play and chopped out against opposition entries into our forward half.
He was very rarely beaten and provided our back six with great stability.
Over the pre-season, Dave will be working on his footwork, defensive positioning and offensive decision-making/movement, to take his game to the next level.”
