Who are your club's most important defenders?Andrew Slevison
SEN
1 Feb 2020RICHMONDDylan Grimes
Nick Vlastuin
Bachar Houli
David Astbury
Nathan Broad
Jayden Short
Richmond’s recent success has been built off a disciplined team defence and the cornerstone of that is a settled back six. In Alex Rance’s absence, Dylan Grimes took yet another stride into the elite category which saw him rewarded with his first All-Australian blazer, just like Bachar Houli, who is one of the competition’s best running defenders. But as Rance couldn’t operate without Grimes, Grimes would not be as important to the side without Nick Vlastuin who could be the club’s captain-in-waiting. His ball-reading and intercept ability are peerless and his toughness is criminally underrated. Binding all the elements together is David Astbury. He expertly holds down the major key defensive position and is ably supported by Nathan Broad, who may not get much of the ball, but is extremely useful as a shut-down option. Add Jayden Short’s drive to that which Houli provides and you have rebounding quality alongside the defensive strength and intercepting expertise of Grimes, Vlaustin, Astbury and Broad. Liam Baker also performed an important role as a small defender after beginning the season in the forward line.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/01/31/who-are-your-clubs-most-important-defenders/
