“One of the best things about Dave is he is leaving the game so ready for his next stage of his life. There are some players that leave and you might be a bit nervous of what they are going to go into and find their feet away from football but Dave’s been able to find his feet while he has been playing.”
Astbury,30,played an important role in Richmond’s three flags,the only tall defender to play in all three premierships of 2017,2019 and 2020. His experience and capacity to play on opposition key forwards became even more pronounced in 2019 when champion defender Alex Rance went down with a season-ending knee injury.
Industry sources said Astbury felt ready to move on after a dozen seasons with the Tigers,who are looking to transition their list as older players enter the twilight of their careers.
“It really is a dream to be completely content with what my career consists of and be really proud of that,” said Astbury,who played 154 games.
“I am really humbled by the football club wanting to keep me around,but I know this decision is right for me and for the club going forward.
“I am so proud that I have fulfilled my career and my dream at one club,this club.”
Astbury’s decision did not turn Grimes’ head towards the idea of retirement yet.
“I have got a few more years left yet hopefully. If the body holds up I have certainly got a few more years in me,” Grimes said.
“Even this year,where it has been tougher,I have still really enjoyed my footy. It is a different challenge but we have funnily enough been in this position before where we have missed finals after playing finals.
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”It is going to be different not having Dave by my side but that is footy.”
Astbury was restricted to just nine games in the truncated 17-round 2020 season,but returned for the final home-and-away game and played a significant role in Richmond’s successful finals campaign,his presence assisting talented young tall defender Noah Balta’s progression.
Astbury,drafted with pick 35 from North Ballarat in the 2009 national draft – the same draft in which Dustin Martin was selected at pick No.3 – was a cornerstone of the Tigers’ accomplished defence,working alongside stars Grimes and Nick Vlastuin,as well as Rance,Nathan Broad and Bachar Houli.
He at one point contemplated a trade to the Brisbane Lions,but opted to remain with Richmond,a decision that greatly benefited he and the club.
While their interest is still only preliminary,the versatile 199-centimetre Casboult is among those on the Suns’ radar given the club is relatively light on for experienced key position players and ruckmen.
Gold Coast were caught short this year following injuries to several talls including co-captain Jarrod Witts,while Smith announced his retirement on Monday.
Casboult could be picked up for nothing as a free agent.
“The opportunity to call Carlton home and live out my boyhood dream over the past 12 years has been incredible,” Casboult,31,said.
“To be departing the club with life membership and after reaching the 150-game milestone earlier this year,is something I am incredibly proud of and am honoured to have been able to achieve.
“So many people at this football club have shown faith in me over the course of my career and I am extremely grateful for the support I have received,both internally from a staffing and player point of view,and externally from my family,friends and all Carlton members and supporters.”
Hooker also announced he will retire at season’s end.
The 32-year-old,who has played 219 games across 13 seasons at the Bombers,informed teammates of his decision on Tuesday afternoon.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and I will leave the game at the end of the season knowing I left no stone unturned to give the club,my teammates and the fans everything I had,” Hooker said.
“To have been part of something bigger than myself,something that is so important to so many people,has been such a privilege and an honour. Representing this jumper is something I will never take for granted.”
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