Triple Richmond premiership defender David Astbury will play for the Tigers one final time on Saturday when they face Hawthorn, as the 30-year-old calls time on his AFL career.
Key points:
- David Astbury says he’s “so proud” to have fulfilled his AFL dream at one club
- Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says the legacy Astbury leaves “is one of selflessness and resilience”
- Astbury and his Tigers face the Hawks on Saturday, who will be hoping to send off master coach Alastair Clarkson on a high
Injuries plagued the early part of Astbury’s career, restricting him to just 24 games from 2011 to 2015 before he became an integral part of Richmond’s rise up the ladder.
His premature retirement after 155 games will leave a huge hole in the Tigers’ back six as they seek to respond from a disappointing 2021 season.
“It really is a dream to be completely content with what my career consists of and be really proud of that,” Astbury said.
“I am really humbled by the football club wanting to keep me around, but I know this decision is right for me and for the club going forward.
“People say it is just a game and they have got a point. It is a game. But that is not the reason that you do it.
“This group has delivered hope, purpose, connection and joy to our people — the Richmond people.”
Getty: Adam Trafford
)Richmond coach Damien Hardwick labelled Astbury an “all-time great” of the Tigers and an “incredible human”.
“The legacy that this man will leave is up there with the very best players at our footy club,” Hardwick said.
“The man missed two years and has had 14 operations.
“Most people would have just given up. But not Dave Astbury.”
Astbury and the Tigers come up against an eager Hawks side who are also looking to send off master coach Alastair Clarkson on a high, at the MCG.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
