Unlucky Richmond defender signs new dealPeter Ryan
afl.com.au
September 3, 2014 3:37 PMRICHMOND key defender David Astbury has signed a two-year contract, tying him to the Tigers until 2016.
Astbury was on track to have a breakout year in 2014 as he enjoyed the most consistent patch of his career in the first eight games.
During that time he held Travis Cloke, Charlie Dixon and Tom Hawkins goalless as well as quelling the influence of Jarryd Roughead.
However in round nine, immediately following the bye, he dislocated his knee when trying to change direction.
Although he played the last game of the season in the VFL, he knows he is unlikely to return for the finals unless the Tigers get hit with injuries.
He has now played 37 games since being pick No.35 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft and looks primed to join Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin in a formidable back six next year.
"It’s been a bit of a process ... but (I am) really excited to break the news, and I’m very proud to be part of this football club for the next two years,” Astbury told richmondfc.com.au
Although the 23-year-old will miss Richmond’s first back-to-back finals series since 1974-75, he is rapt at the club's effort to storm into the finals after nine consecutive wins.
"The boys were incredible again on the weekend. To announce it [the re-signing] while we’re still here, playing finals footy, is just awesome,” he said.
“I probably questioned myself before the start of this year, whether I could play consistent football at the level. But I’d like to think I’ve proved that so far,” he said.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-09-03/unlucky-tiger-signs-on
