TATYOON - The past seven months have been full of highs and lows for Tatyoon export David Astbury.

The Richmond defender has had to endure several setbacks on his road to recovery from a serious knee injury.

With pre-season training back underway, Astbury is itching to get back to full fitness and re-join the main group.

"We're back into the regular routine and already there has been some improvement from before Christmas which is great to see," he said.

"My training is still very modified. I've been gradually increasing my work load in the gym, but running at the moment is still very minimal."

The 20-year-old is still recovering from a dislocated knee he suffered during the Tigers' round 12 loss to Sydney, which put an end to his second AFL season.

Astbury said he feels ready to increase his training and has his sights firmly set on re-claiming a spot in the Richmond backline.

"The knee feels strong, I feel I could increase my running work load, so hopefully it won't be too long, but we're taking a cautious approach at the moment," he said.

"I'm not sure I'll play any pre-season games, but hopefully everything goes well from here on in and I can play some good senior football in 2012."

Rehab has been a gruelling process for the versatile tall, but he said the Tigers' coaching staff had been very encouraging during his stint on the sideline.

"The second day after I dislocated it I had the operation, and it doesn't take long for the muscle to diminish, so now I've been in the gym a fair bit just trying to re-gain muscle tone and definition," Astbury said.

"It has taken some time, but it finally feels equal to the other leg again.

"The club had a real no rush approach after I'd done it. I guess they have a bit of faith in me that I am going to be around for a while, so now I hope I can repay that faith this year."

Astbury entered 2011 with plenty of external expectation on him after an outstanding debut season and being handed club legend Matthew Richardson's famous number 12 guernsey.

"I had an interrupted pre-season with an injury (hip) which required an operation (arthroscopic surgery)," he said.

"I came back and played some good pre-season football, then when the season started I struggled a little bit when we lost a few defenders due to suspension, and I was suddenly the number one key back man.

"I was under a bit of pressure, and to be honest, with my body I probably wasn't quite up to it, then I got the injury, so it was definitely a disappointing year in that sense, but luckily I'm still a contracted player and I'm looking forward to a new season."

Time in the gym has paid off for Tatyoon's favourite son, who is looking stronger than ever and ready to take on the league's best forwards.

Astbury said finishing his rehab program was the first aim of the summer.

"It is hard to set goals for the season when I'm still in rehab, once the knee is fully right I'll be able to look further ahead," he said.

"I guess the main aim is to get back to 100 per cent, once I get that right and I'm up and firing I'm sure I'll be able to play good, consistent senior football."

In the off-season he enjoyed a holiday in Vietnam with teammates Andrew Browne and Nathan Foley, while back in Melbourne Astbury has recently bought a house, which he will share with his younger sister this year.

"Yeah Hannah is moving in, which will be good. She is a pretty focused person, so it will be good to have her around," he said.

Astbury was pleased to see another local footballer, in Lauchie Dalgleish, be given an opportunity at an AFL club.

"First of all it doesn't matter if you are on the rookie list or you're a number one draft pick, he has got the opportunity now, which is what everyone looks for," he said.

"I've seen him play before and he is a talented athlete, and I'm sure if he works hard he'll go really well."

Astbury back from injury and roaring to go
http://www.araratadvertiser.com.au/...ry-and-roaring-to-go/2434755.aspx?storypage=1

BY SAM SHALDERS