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Richmond defender David Astbury has spent extra time working with premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis ahead of Saturday's AFL grand final against Geelong.

David Astbury, the star defender who began AFL life as a forward, has gone back to school as a 29-year-old to learn another craft that could help deliver Richmond a third flag in four years.

In Saturday's grand final against Geelong, Astbury hopes to join former teammate Shaun Grigg in adding 'bit-parts premiership ruckman' to his impressive resume.

Coach Damien Hardwick's tinkering in the latter stages of the season and preference to use Toby Nankervis without a genuine second ruckman has led to Astbury being hastily taught new tricks as the relief option.

"I see it as a fair compliment from Dimma (Hardwick) saying that he believes in me to be able to do that job and also spend time back," Astbury said.

"It's unfamiliar and you've got to acknowledge that, but it's to be part of a system and play a role that helps the team be the best it can be, and hopefully win.

"Everyone puts their ego aside to be able to do anything they can for the group."

For 137-gamer Astbury, it's meant spending more time working with two-time flag teammate Nankervis and fringe player Mabior Chol in learning the ruck craft

"It's been fun and I've certainly done it with a smile," Astbury said.

"It's whatever it takes. It's like I'm back at school learning again, which is great."

Astbury faces a key battle with Geelong power forward Tom Hawkins at the Gabba and his first task is to stop the Coleman medallist kicking goals.

But Hawkins' forward-50 ruck work has also been crucial in setting up opportunities for Cats teammates.

"He's doing everything and it will certainly take more than one player to be able to curb his influence on the game," Astbury said.

"Last weekend (against Brisbane), particularly early in the game, he didn't just look like the most dangerous forward out there but he also looked like the most dangerous ruckman.

"He can kill you 100 ways, 'Tomma', so that's something that we'll have to be conscious of."

Astbury couldn't help but laugh when asked to consider he kicked three goals on debut in 2010, morphed into a dual premiership-winning key defender and could add a third flag with an important role as a back-up ruckman.

"It is sort of funny because a lot of people think you're almost playing a different sport as a ruckman," Astbury said.

"But fundamentally, when you simplify it, your strengths as a player really don't change.

"Mine is my ability to compete and win or half contests and make life difficult for opponents, and that certainly applies whether I'm playing back or in the ruck."