The Avoca Football Netball Club offer our condolences to the Family and friends of Robert Astbury on his recent passing on the Gold Coast.
The high flying Rob Astbury was a significant member of our 1971 & 1972 Runner Up teams and was the Lexton Football League leading goalkicker in 1971 kicking 84 goals. He was also a member of the 1962 Reserves Premiership team.
He made a comeback in 1981 but only lasted one game when he broke his ankle which well and truly ended his football playing days.
Rob was invited back to the club in 1993 by Coach Jim Jess and played a significant role in the premiership success achieved by our club during the 90’s era. Particularly the 1993 premiership which he played a big part of with his “Avoca Boy” speeches.
The Twisted Sister song “We’re not going to take it” was a team anthem in 93 and was introduced by Rob, and he accepted the tag of “Twisted Sister” with great enthusiasm and affection.
He received great delight when travelling to the Grand Final at Landsborough to see that someone had put a sign of encouragement on a tree on the road side which simply said “Twisted Sister”.
Rob used his media skills to help create and publish a book entitled “Bush Heroes” which was about the History of the Avoca Football Netball Club. He also helped to create the picture highlight display at the end of the 1993 premiership video, through the assistance of his 1971 team mate Stephen Phillips, who was at Channel 7 at the time.
In his later years, Rob has been a high flyer in the Real Estate game at Ray White Broadbeach, achieving many awards as one of the Elite performing Real Estate salesman in Australia.
Rob loved the Avoca Football Netball Club and will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
R.I.P Rob.
Last Modified on 10/11/2017 19:59