Tigers premiership defender Astbury retires, veteran Bomber Hooker to hang up the boots

Triple Richmond premiership defender David Astbury will play for the Tigers one final time on Saturday when they face Hawthorn, as the 30-year-old calls time on his AFL career.

On the same day Astbury confirmed he was hanging up the boots, Essendon’s Cale Hooker also announced he will retire at season’s end.

Injuries plagued the early part of Astbury’s career, restricting him to just 24 games from 2011 to 2015 before he became an integral part of Richmond’s rise up the ladder.

His premature retirement after 155 games will leave a huge hole in the Tigers’ back six as they seek to respond from a disappointing 2021 season.

“It really is a dream to be completely content with what my career consists of and be really proud of that,” Astbury said.

“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.

“People say it is just a game and they have got a point. It is a game. But that is not the reason that you do it.

“This group has delivered hope, purpose, connection and joy to our people — the Richmond people.”

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick labelled Astbury an “all-time great” of the Tigers and an “incredible human”.

“The legacy that this man will leave is up there with the very best players at our footy club,” Hardwick said.

“The man missed two years and has had 14 operations.

“Most people would have just given up. But not Dave Astbury.”

Astbury and the Tigers come up against an eager Hawks side who are also looking to send off master coach Alastair Clarkson on a high, at the MCG.

Hooker bows out

Hooker, 32, has played 219 matches for the Bombers during a 13-season stint with the club.

He was an All-Australian selection in 2014 and won the Bombers’ best and fairest award the following season.

Hooker switched from defence to the forward line during his career, kicking 122 goals for the Bombers.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

Hooker was made an Essendon life member in 2017.