Could Astbury play fullback?

[Mr Magic]

Just a question nothing more implied.

I am thinking about our big man prospects and I am thinking after seeing Astbury, particularly on the taller forwards could Astbury play fullback as a good effective fullback.

I am thinking this is not out question at all given this guys versatile talents.

Any thoughts including those opposing are welcomed so I can ponder

 

[The Rusty Trombone]

Yes!

 

[cotcha now]

he played well up forward in his first few games, why havent we played him forward more? he does play great in defence i must say so myself.

 

[TOOs_Finest]

Actually not a bad call at all Mr Magic. He's a pretty good decision maker and ball user, and has enough height to play the position. Probly needs at least one more productive pre-season in the gym. Watch this space I reckon...

 

[RICHOmond Tigres]

I like him betters in the foward line. Hes a very good kick!

 

[coke_zero]

Will probably have a season or 2 in the backline then go forward unless he really stands out in the backline.

 

[captain blood 17]

Just a question nothing more implied.

I am thinking about our big man prospects and I am thinking after seeing Astbury, particularly on the taller forwards could Astbury play fullback as a good effective fullback.

I am thinking this is not out question at all given this guys versatile talents.

Any thoughts including those opposing are welcomed so I can ponder

I reckon he looks a monty on the half back line. Seems to have a calm head and demeanor. Quite like him behind the ball.

 

[Mr Magic]

I think this guy may settle at fullback, but if matchups require he could be shifted to CHB, CHF or Forward Pocket depending on the situation.

When I think about it he looks to be a better prospect than St Kildas Zac Dawson but I am not sure if he has it in the raw pace of the mark to contain some FF's. I might be wrong.

How quick is Astbury? Is he quick enough for FB?

 

[Bojangles17]

nope, this time in defence is a valuable part of his apprenticeship, he is really getting amongst it down there as a BP or HBF, keep him there, he is developing quicker than Griff and by R1 2011 will be ready for a spot in the front half

 

[tucker777]

Astbury = Joel Bowden

Say what you want, but it's the way it is.

 

[Bojangles17]

Astbury = Joel Bowden

Say what you want, but it's the way it is.

i dont see that, Dan "murphy" connors is the modern day Joel Bowden right down to the all the time in the world laconic left foot

 

[tucker777]

i dont see that, Dan "murphy" connors is the modern day Joel Bowden right down to the all the time in the world laconic left foot

Right now...maybe...but I can't see Connors staying as a HBF....I just think it's a "learn the craft" posting...meanwhile I can't see Astbury being a CHF or a CHB. His decision making and defensive ability will turn him into something like Bowden circa AA years I reckon.

 

[THE_GUN]

thurstfield,mguane,moore,post,gourdis,grimes,astbury !!

why must we try & constantly try to turn every foward into backman
we have enough natural backs already , i just want a dominant chf & ff in the team.

griffiths,riewoldt,astbury..................all stay as big fowards

 

[folester41]

i think he is better suited to the back half, i think he could play fb as he has the speed, just needs to build the strength up over the next few preseasons. but im liking him as our chb, because that way he can still hurt teams with his skills. in saying that having a fb who can hit targets would be pretty handy also.

 

[Mr Magic]

I don't know how Astbury can be compared to Bowden or a half back flank simply because of his height. Unless he is on a Buddy Franklin playing at Falf forward why would you have Astbury as a half back flank.

In any case when he devops his body he could be one of the best most versatile bigger players we have with all the skills and abilities. I hope he keeps applying himself because he has a lot going for him which he can't take for granted

 

[Infamy]

Astbury = CHB

 

[bigstyletiger]

I don't think speed is his strength and therefore I'm not sure full back would be his best position. While I couldn't find his 20m sprint result this is what I could find.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-picks-round-by-round/story-fn4hg9de-1225804305210


35. David Astbury (Richmond)
Tatyoon/North Ballarat Rebels (VIC)
Forward, 18, 195cm, 81kg
Astbury is a lead-up forward/key defender with strong foot skills - he was ranked among the top-10 in the kicking test at draft camp. He also possesses a strong work rate and good endurance for his size.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/david astbury/tabid/15507/default.aspx


Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt because he's a hard-working half-forward who plays high up the ground similar to me when I play that position.

What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism, versatility, endurance and agility for a tall.

What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Strength and power off the mark (speed) and consistency.

No where does it say he is slow but his biggest assets are endurance and kicking. In terms of endurance he ran th 3km time trial in 10.5 mins. Which is very very good. I woud have him on the half back or half forward line to utilise both of these skills to their fullest. He no doubt has a preference for half forward but I'm happy with him developing in the backline for the moment. Wouldn't be surprised if he ended up at CHF though.

 

[telsor]

With Freo short of talls, particularly tall backmen, I'm hoping he gets moved forward this week.

 

[bigstyletiger]

With Freo short of talls, particularly tall backmen, I'm hoping he gets moved forward this week.

Not a bad idea Telsor. If we push him forward along with Griff surely one of the three big fellas will get of the leash. I reckon we are good odds this week considering Freo's outs.

 

[Morro]

I believe CHB is his best position and also for team structure.

he probably could play FB but why tie him deep in defence.

I have to ask why so many want him at CHF? He has certainly showed alot more at CHB and hopefully the Griff can play CHF in the future.

Could be an amazing spine, FB???, Astbury, Martin, Griff, Jack.

Hopefully the Goo can rise up the ranks as our best FB option.

 

[bigstyletiger]

Good call Morro. Our spine is finally shaping up.

In regards to people wanting Astbury at CHF I think it's because he looks like he knows where to run at CHF to provide and option and with his good kicking he can set up play going forward. There's no question how important Nick Riewoldt is to St Kilda and while Astbury isn't in his class in terms of marking he has shown signs that he could be that work horse, smart, skillful CHF. Griff I think is more of a burst player at this stage and may be long term. He is big and quick and willl be hard to stop on the lead. For me he is better suited as a leading FF or deep CHF while Astbury could be a high CHF. Where he ends up is obviously anyones guess but I think he could be good at either end. Still I think most people would rather a Nick Riewoldt type than a Nathon Bock type.

 

[MACCAMUCCA]

Astbury in the backline and Post as a forward. Post has a load of talent

 

[juss]

I think he could play CHB, he's fairly mobile for a big guy, has good hands and good skills. Think he would do well on the oppositions big mobile frontmen.

I think whether he plays forward or back will depend on the development of Post and Griffiths. Assuming Riewoldt has FF down for the forseable future, If Griffiths can hold down CHF then Astbury will probably go back, likewise if Post plays forward, or doesn't come on down back, then we will probably need Astbury down back.

 

[Almighty tigers]

i like him playing backline
hes a really good kick for a bigman and seems to make the right decisions
played his best game against the swans last week in defence
hes improving nice and slowly

 

["The Roar Is Back"]

A Harry Taylor upgrade at worst !!