David Astbury, Thank You | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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David Astbury, Thank You

BT Tiger said:
I think he looks trimmer this year. Hawkins has the biggest shoulders in the league but he pushed Astbury out of the contest a bit too easy yesterday at times. Based on last year, I would have thought he would have the strength to go with him, but apparently not. I believe it was a calculated move to keep rance free to provide run of the backline but it didnt work out this time. Just like many other things on the day.
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I agree, the run of Rance would have been a key component. I also think (if memory serves me right) that Astbury was on Hawkins last year when he went goalless.

Anything that goes wrong can look like an awful decision in hindsight, thats why hindsight is always right, but I think this decision was based on good theory. It didn't work so they changed it. There is plenty to go off at Hardwick on but this decision wasn't one of them.

I also agree that Astbury looks a bit trimmer and doesn't look as strong as he did last year hence why Hawkins found it so easy to outmuscle him.
 
Agreed. I actually think he'll make a player now - didn't think that once.

Was impressed yesterday that after struggling down back, he went forward, presented & made a real difference. Actually showed what we've been missing - a lead-up CHF which Vickery will never be. Griffiths could be a great forward but he looks better suited inside 50.

Once he regains fitness, he can be tried again down back but needs to be played & forward is fine.
 
Looked handy up forward. I think that we need to play 3 talls for structure. That won't allow the opposition to have the loose man

Astbury is a better mark and kick than Vickery. Provided Deledio is back next week this would be the forward structure I would go with

Hf: Lennon Griffiths Deledio

Forwards: Astbury Riewoldt McDonough

Time to play McDonough in the position he belongs in
 
Dave was hit with the dredded curse of the Big Number. Number 12 soon after Richo packed it in was a tough ask.

But I reckon it's all good now. It's his number.
 
Dave will be fine. Just beaten by Hawkins on the day, not like he is the first. The way he fought back though when moved forward was very encouraging.
 
Yep. It is his number now, Baloo. He's our #12.

He's a fighter, Rancey. That's a good start.

Assburgers, when fit, can be a real asset for us. He's had another knee injury since his promising start to 2014 and missed more footy this year. He's not a bad athlete and he's a reasonable size. With match practice I expect him to regain his decision making prowess.

But if he aint in good enough form to play full back, full-time CHF is gunna be too hard. Maybe we switch him around regularly so he retains some element of surprise but really, Chaplin is almost done. We need a young full back and Assburgers is our best prospect. My greatest hope is that he stays sound and becomes the full back we need.
 
Tigers of Old said:
He actually looked great when he went forward.
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I agree. He looked more natural if that make sense.

Down back he is a big problem. Not from negating his opponent but from negating our quick ball movement. With ball in hand he always takes his time to move it on stop the flow allowing the opposition to clog things up.
 
He might lack a bit of pace but at least his skills are better than Batch's. He was our shining light last year when we were rubbish before his injury, hope he gets a chance to cement his spot again whether forward or back - could be a handy swingman when needed.
 
Astbury is a much better prospect forward than Griffiths or Tyrone have done all season.

He is one of those players who won't make mistakes and can actually kick the ball to advantage. Some of his kicks into forward 50 were sublime. Much better than what you'd expect from either Griffiths or Tyrone.

He should be CHF. Reasonable defenders are easy to find. Excellent forwards, very difficult.

He's a natural footballer.
 
Every time I see this thread come up I expect to hear he's been bitten by a scorpion, hit by flying space junk, or had a weird allergic reaction to a sausage roll.
 
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