David Astbury will join Richmond’s board at its October meeting.

Triple Richmond premiership key defender David Astbury will join the Club’s board at its October meeting.

Astbury, who performed such an important role in Richmond’s 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership teams, will fill a casual vacancy created by the retirement of 1980 premiership player Emmett Dunne, who is stepping down after almost nine years of service on the board.

Since retiring as a player at the end of the 2021 season, following an impressive 155-game career with the Tigers, Astbury has obtained a Degree in Psychological Sciences and continues to develop himself.

Subsequently, as a Mental Performance Coach and Team Development Specialist, he’s worked with top sporting organisations such as the Hockeyroos and Melbourne Storm, focusing on mental skill development, improving leadership effectiveness, enhancing team dynamics and fostering a culture of excellence. He has also recently completed the AICD Company Directors course.

“We are delighted to have Dave return to the Club in an official capacity on the board,” said Richmond president John O’Rourke.

“With his professional skill set, experience of overcoming adversity through resilience, and knowledge of what it takes to achieve sustained on-field success, he is going to be a valuable asset for our board. He is also such a well rounded person that we are confident he will make a significant contribution to the Board’s governance and oversight of the Club’s strategy.

“I also would like to acknowledge Emmett’s excellent service at board level throughout the past nine years. I particularly want to thank him for his unwavering support and guidance during my term as President. His calm advice, always with an eye to upholding the Club’s values, will be missed, but I am sure we will continue to see him supporting his beloved Tigers in the years ahead.”

Astbury is excited about returning to Tigerland.

“I’m extremely humbled to be appointed to the board of an organisation that has given me so much,” Astbury said.

“I was provided with incredible stability as a player, and am excited by the opportunity to give something back.”