Tiger Astbury confident body will hold upJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
December 19, 2014 9:07 AMDAVID Astbury says he has full confidence in his body and is determined to capitalise on the form that made him Richmond's most improved player before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in May this year.
The Tiger defender dislocated his left kneecap against Melbourne in round nine, almost three years after suffering the same injury on his right side.
The dislocation came after he lunged to change direction and tackle young Demon Jack Viney.
Before the injury, he was running second in the Tigers' best and fairest.
He didn't play at AFL level again this season but did get back for part of a VFL game late in the year, which was designed to give him the confidence to launch into a full summer program.
"I feel every bit as good as I did pre-surgery," Astbury said on Friday.
"I had a different procedure than I did the last time, so it's put me in good stead, and so far I'm moving around freely and really enjoying being back out on the track.
"My rehab progression was absolutely flawless and that set me up to have a big pre-season, and so far that's been very good also."
Astbury has also battled foot, hamstring and leg injuries since his debut in round four 2010, and has played just 37 games.
But he believes his injury concerns are behind him and is motivated to ensure he doesn't miss the chance to play finals next year after being injured for the Tigers' past two September campaigns.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-12-19/astburys-body-of-work
