Astbury heads to Tigerland after National draft selectionJessie Antonio
01 Dec, 2009 Tatyoon Football Club export David Astbury will be settling in at Tigerland this week after being selected by Richmond in the AFL's national draft.
The Astbury family has been caught up in a whirlwind of excitement since David's name was called at pick number 35 last Thursday evening.
The 18 year old said he watched the live coverage of the draft from his parent's loungeroom.
''We watched it on TV as a family,'' he said.
''It was pretty low key, but it got a bit ecstatic around the house when my name came up. It was an emotional moment.''
Astbury's father Craig said he was extremely proud of his son's achievements.
''It's been a bit tense over the past few weeks so it's just fantastic. We're over the moon for him,'' he said.
Astbury grew up on the family property at Tatyoon before moving to Caulfield to complete his final years of schooling.
After an impressive season for the North Ballarat Rebels and stellar performances in the 2009 NAB under 18 National Championship, few were surprised when AFL clubs began showing a keen interest in the tall teenager.
His versatility is a sought after trait in young recruits and allows Astbury to be used in a mix of forward and defending roles.
His kicking efficiency was also put in the spotlight after he ranked among the top 10 players in the kicking test at AFL draft camp.
While the camp gave Astbury the opportunity to prove himself, an injury sustained during testing left him disappointed.
''I got injured at the camp so I couldn't complete some of the testing,'' he said.
''I'm really fortunate that it didn't end up hindering my chances of being drafted.''
Richmond expressed a keen interest in Astbury during the lead up to last week's draft, however the modest youngster said he was shocked to be selected so early.
''I thought I was in with a chance, but I honestly didn't expect to get picked up in the top 40. It was really exciting.''
Richmond Head of Development, Tim Livingstone, met with the Astbury family last Friday to discuss the details of Astbury's relocation to Punt Rd.
Mr Livingstone said things moved quickly once a player was drafted.
''It's a massive move for a kid. Becoming a professional athlete is quite an adjustment,'' he said.
Astbury moved to Melbourne on Sunday and commenced training with the Richmond side yesterday.
Mr Livingstone said he would be eased into his new routine.
''We visit players at their homes so we can get a feel for their environment and see what their family life is like. It makes it easier for us to organise their living arrangements.'' he said.
''David will be hosted by a player for a week or two and then he will either move in with a host family or a player depending on the situation.''
Astbury said he could hardly wait to join the Tigers.
''I'm really looking forward to being part of an elite team environment and earning the respect of the people at the club.''
The Richmond playing group was quick to extend a warm welcome to Astbury, with high profile players including Ben Cousins, Trent Cotchin and Richard Tambling sending him congratulatory text messages last week.
''It really makes you feel part of it,'' Astbury said.
While he will now be living his AFL dream at Richmond, Astbury said he will always be grateful for the support of Tatyoon locals.
''I want to say thanks to everyone who has followed my football since I left Tatyoon,'' he said.
''I really appreciate the support from the community and the mentors that I have in this area.''
Two of Astbury's Ballarat Rebels' teammates were also picked up in the national draft.
Matt Dea will join Astbury at Richmond after being selected at pick number 44, while Josh Cowan was snapped up by Geelong with selection 56.
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