Two-time Richmond premiership player David Astbury says he isn't surprised by teammate Marlion Pickett's outstanding AFL grand final performance on Saturday.
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Astbury, who hails from Mininera and District league club Tatyoon, helped keep Greater Western Sydney to just three goals as the Tigers stormed to a 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) victory at the MCG.
The defender said he sensed Pickett, a first-gamer, could perform on the big stage.
"I'm not that surprised," he said in the rooms after the game.
"Just seeing glimpses or whatever, he's not overwhelmed.
"That itself, is a remarkable story.
"He's played one game and he makes us better and he adds to our story.
"And it's been quite humbling to get to know Marlion.
"He's been through a lot.
"He's a remarkable person and I'm so glad I get to share this with him."
Pickett, who had 22 disposals, kicked his first AFL goal in the third term and was mobbed by all his teammates.
He also finished third in the Norm Smith Medal count behind teammates Dustin Martin and Bachar Houli.
Astbury, who played in two under 16 flags for Tatyoon before joining the Greater Western Victoria Rebels (formerly North Ballarat Rebels), added Pickett had spoken about his life to the group.
"He wanted the opportunity to present to the group and he's obviously just grateful to be a part of it," he said.
The reliable defender said he looked forward to playing with Pickett in seasons to come.
"He works tirelessly," he said.
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"Not only today he made us better but he's going to make us better going forward and we're really grateful to have him."
Astbury said while it was a great day for many of his teammates, it was a tough one for others.
"There's some great stories but there's also some heartbreak," he said.
"I can't wait to acknowledge the people that went through trying to circumstances and miss out.
"Obviously Rancey (Alex Rance) and Jack Graham, I can't speak highly enough of those guys.
"Jack Ross, Kamdyn McIntosh - they were withdrawn from the VFL side last week and they presented their case so well.
"And it will be difficult for them but we just love them.
"We're really lucky to have those people."
Fellow Tiger Daniel Rioli, also a former GWV Rebels player, was also full of praise for Pickett.
He particularly enjoyed the first-gamer's blind turn in the second stanza.
"He's a superstar, he's best mates with Tim Kelly (Geelong) and he's obviously a superstar as well," he said after the Tigers belted out their song.
"They grew up together and played footy together.
"And I saw a bit of his highlights in the WAFL and the VFL as well.
"And the way he performed today was pretty special.
"The future is pretty bright for him.
"He obviously went through some tough times and he's overcome that.
"To play his first game in a grand final is something unheard of and he performed really well."
Rioli, a fourth-year Tiger, could be seen kicking the ball with Pickett on the MCG about two hours before the the first bounce.
"He obviously hasn't played AFL before and I wanted him to go out and soak up all the atmosphere and have a look around and have a bit of a kick and it all went from there," he said.
Rioli said he was thrilled to become a two-time premiership player.
"I can't believe it," the 22-year-old said.
"I obviously watched Cyril (his cousin) growing up, he's won four premierships and played in five grand finals... who would have thought I'd be a two-time premiership player... it's amazing."
"(I want to thank) My coach Howard Clarke (former St Patrick's College Ballarat football coach), he's one of the big dogs up there that runs the first XVIII and Phil Partington from the Rebels was amazing, they put in a lot of hard work to get me to this point and I couldn't thank them enough."
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