Richmond have bolstered their defensive stocks over the next few seasons with David Astbury signing on until the end of the 2019 season, and first-year player Oleg Markov signing on to the end of 2018.
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Tall defender Astbury has enjoyed one of his finest years in a Tigers guernsey since his debut in 2010, playing a career-equalling 17 games, which he has not matched since his first season.
He has taken 25 marks in his past two games and seems to have taken another step in his development this season. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, with shoulder and knee problems sidelining him along the the way.
But Astbury has been playing some consistent football this season and seems to be creating a strong defensive trio for Richmond, along with All-Australian defender Alex Rance and Dylan Grimes.
He is averaging 14 disposals per game, above his career average of 12, and his marking has improved drastically this season - he sits 14 th in the league for marks per game.
Markov was Richmond's second pick (50) in last year's draft, and since making his debut against the Bulldogs in round 16 he has excited Tiger fans everywhere.
He averages nearly 16 disposals per game and has provided the team with much-needed run off half-back at times so far in his short career.
This has been highlighted by his 26-disposal game against Collingwood in round 20, where he was unlucky not to receive a rising star nomination.
He is the son of former Belarusian/Australian pole vaulter Dmitry Markov, who recorded the equal fourth highest jump in history at 6.05 metres back in 1998.
