A socially-distanced Gabba under lights is an odd stage for an AFL grand final, but for Tatyoon export David Astbury its just the latest curveball in a 2020 that's nearly had it all.
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The 29-year-old Richmond star has been cooped up in a Gold Coast hub for more than 100 days, with the league ever-changing to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Astbury has had to tackle new experiences on the field as well.
The gun defender - who started his career as a forward, kicking three on debut - is now vying for his third premiership in four seasons in a new role as a pinch-hitting ruckman.
"(Damien Hardwick) just assigned me the role, and threw me the shinpads, so to speak, and I just got on with the job," Astbury told media this week.
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Just taking to the field against Geelong will be a relief for Astbury, who was sidelined for a month by a knee injury.
"Initially I wasn't going to be a part of the travelling party, because we were told it was only going to be a maximum of 32 days," he said.
"But, I've really enjoyed my time, and my experience up here."
Closer to home, former Richmond player and Ararat icon Scott Turner will be watching nervously.
"The past few years have been pretty successful so its hopefully its another tick in the box and we get over the line," he said. "It's been a good season to watch. Footy has kept us alive in these tough times I suppose."
Turner played 144 games and kicked 33 goals during a decade-long career with the Tigers, prompting a change of heart and allegiances.
"As a young bloke, I used to barrack for Geelong," he admitted.
"But I'm certainly a Tiges man now. I had a saying during the 90s and after I retired, when the Tiges weren't going that well, that I'd always barrack for Richmond during the year and Geelong in the finals.
"But it hasn't been that way for the past few years, that's for sure."
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A Richmond triumph will just be that little bit sweeter for Turner as well, with bragging rights on the line.
"I've got some close friends and my older brothers barrack for Geelong so it's gonna be a tough one," he said.
"The banter started a few weeks ago when we beat Geelong, and they'll be first on the phone. I'll be making sure I'm the one ringing them if it goes our way, that's for sure."
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