Astbury moved back home in 2009, taking the role of co-captain at the Rebels and playing a total of 10 games with the team. His best performance that year game in a match against the Western Jets where he recorded 18 disposals, 12 marks and three goals while playing in the forward line. That year he also represented the Victorian Country region at the 2009 AFL Under 18 Championships where he held averages of 14 disposals and four marks per game.
