David debutsSARAH SCULLY
Ararat Advertiser
23 Apr, 2010TATYOON - David Astbury's debut for the Richmond Football Club impressed his coach, the Tiger faithful and media commentators, but the 19-year-old from Tatyoon remains remarkably down to earth.
Astbury was one of three Tiger cubs, along with Troy Taylor and fellow former-Rebel Matt Dea, to get his big break against Melbourne on Sunday after four Richmond regulars were suspended.
''It was good to get the first game out of the way. I probably got a bit lucky and kicked a few goals,'' Astbury said.
Astbury finished the match with seven disposals, three marks and three goals, including two in the first quarter.
Luck may have played a very small part, but it is Astbury's skill and composure that has coach Damien Hardwick grooming him for a key role in the club's future.
''Astbury I thought was very, very good (on debut) for a first year, key-position player,'' Hardwick said.
''His leadership, his ability to demand the ball and to tell other players when and where to go was outstanding.''
While Hardwick was disappointed by his side's 55-point loss, he said he would take a number of positives from the match.
''We've got some work to do with those boys (Astbury, Taylor and Dea). They have to build on those games. But from a Richmond football club point-of-view we are very happy with their performances today.''
Although Astbury is versatile enough to excel at either end of the ground, Hardwick has plans to make Astbury the club's future key forward once he gains experience and his body matures.
''He's got a little time for me,'' Astbury said of Hardwick.
''That's where I want to play long term.''
Things have moved quickly for Astbury since he was drafted to Richmond as the number 35 pick last November.
He now lives in Melbourne, with a supportive host family who understand the ups and downs of forging a career in football.
He is also adapting to a new schedule which requires him to train six days a week.
''The past few months have been really good,'' Astbury said.
''I've established a few very good relationships with players around the club and so far I've had a really good time.''
In addition to his football commitments, Astbury is studying a civil engineering and business degree at Swinburne University.
''I've started studying to take my mind off footy, as a bit of a release, and I have a whole other network of friends there as well.''
Astbury said his friends and family were all eagerly anticipating his debut.
''My family came to watch. I heard from a few of the people that were there that they were pretty excited,'' Astbury said.
His father Craig said the families and friends of the debutantes sat together for the match.
''The parents of the debutantes were invited to the rooms, into the inner sanctum, where Frances Bourke presented the boys with their jumpers,'' Mr Astbury, said.
''He talked about the significance of the jumper and how it will reward them over and over if they're prepared to put in the work. It was quite a moving presentation actually.''
Mr Astbury said the whole experience was very exciting.
''David didn't have a lot of possessions but he made the most of his opportunities, which has been the hallmark of his footy so far - his composure and his thinking,'' he said.
Although Richmond is yet to win a match, Mr Astbury believes there are some encouraging signs for the Tigers' long-term future, provided the boys work hard and stick to Hardwick's game plan.
''David's a good listener, he's quite coachable. He's been very committed to getting a game - I admire his commitment,'' he said.
''He's got a fair way to go but he's got to keep taking these steps to forge a regular spot in the team.''
Astbury is expected to line up for the Tigers on Sunday night as Richmond take on the Fremantle Dockers at Subiaco.
http://www.araratadvertiser.com.au/news/local/sport/football-australian-rules/david-debuts/1811262.aspx?storypage=0
