2009 National Draft - David Astbury
David Astbury highlights:
http://bigpondvideo.com/AFL/226074 DOB: 26/02/91
Height: 194.5cm
Weight: 81.4kg
Club: North Ballarat Rebels, TAC Cup
What the recruiters say:David originates from his family’s farm near Tatyoon in Victorias’ Ararat district. In 2007 and 2008 he was a boarder at Caulfield Grammar in Melbourne and in 2009 moved back to Ballarat to concentrate on his football with the Rebels where he carried the honour of co-captain.
David has been a member of the North Ballarat rebels U18 team for the past 2 seasons, playing 4 games in 2008 and 10 games in 2009. This year David played as his teams’ versatile “swingman”, playing in attack to provide a strong marking option as well as in defence to take the oppositions best forward. David was at his best up forward in round 5 against the Western Jets where he tallied 18 possessions, 12 marks and 3 goals from centre half forward. He was regularly thrown back and forward during the same game where he was needed to provide a strong presence for his team in a key position.
A member of the Vic Country side in the NAB U18 National Championships, David was again used in a mix of forward and defending roles where he averaged 14 possessions and 4 marks per game.
David is a very long and cool kick of the football and makes good decisions in the heat of battle. He has high kick efficiency and also an excellent long kick ratio to break lines and zones. He has very clean hands in the air and at ground level, highlighting his ability to be an option in defence or attack.
The club will be looking to further develop David in the key positions with a continued focus on his aerial ability and long kicking game.
David Astbury in his own words:What type of player are you?
An athletic and mobile tall who can play at either end of the ground. Predominantly a leading half-forward.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt because he's a hard-working half-forward who plays high up the ground similar to me when I play that position.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism, versatility, endurance and agility for a tall.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Strength and power off the mark (speed) and consistency.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Melbourne Demons. My father has supported them for his entire life and encouraged me to follow them too.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Jack Ziebell because he gave me an understanding of what is required at a more elite junior level and we trained together with great professionalism.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2010/2009NationalDraft/DavidAstbury/tabid/15507/Default.aspx