We're not willing to swap Astbury for Brisbane's pick 21.
David Astbury weighing up move to Brisbane Lions SAM EDMUND, MICHAEL WARNER
Herald Sun
October 13, 2015 8:00PMFRUSTRATED Richmond defender David Astbury is considering a move to the Brisbane Lions.
Astbury is contracted, but is tempted to join a Lions team screaming out for key position reinforcements.
The Tigers are keen to keep the 24-year-old despite overlooking him for selection for much of this season.
Astbury could yet emerge as the circuit-breaker in Richmond’s bid to prise Chris Yarran from Carlton.
The Blues are demanding Richmond’s first-round pick — presently No.12 — for contracted speedster Yarran.
Carlton has rejected Richmond’s offer of pick 31 for Yarran, but the Lions have 17 — received from West Coast for Jack Redden — and 21.
One scenario would see Astbury move in a three-way trade between the Blues, Lions and Tigers.
The Tigers are adamant they will not swap Astbury directly for pick 21.
Brisbane also retains an interest in Carlton’s Tom Bell and, to a lesser extent, his teammate Levi Casboult.
Astbury has tired by a lack of opportunity at Punt Road, with Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin this year holding a grip on the key defensive posts.
Astbury’s relationship with former Richmond assistant and now Lions coach Justin Leppitsch is also a factor.
The defender has been unlucky with injury.
He missed the start of this season after being stung by a stingray, and was leading the Tigers’ 2014 best-and-fairest when he dislocated his patella against Melbourne in Round 9.
That setback came after he suffered the same injury on his right side midway through the 2011 season.
Astbury could manage only four games this year for a total of 41 across six seasons.
http://www.themercury.com.au/afl-trades-2015-david-astbury-weighing-up-move-to-brisbane-lions/story-fnj3twbb-1227567964988
