Jason Castagna
{{Short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Jason Castagna
| image = Jason Castagna 2017.2.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Castagna with Richmond in June 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|07|12|df=y}}
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| originalteam = Northern Knights (TAC Cup)/Marcellin College, Bulleen
| draftpick = No. 29, 2015 Rookie Draft: {{AFL Ric}}
| debutdate = Round 6, 2016
| debutteam = {{AFL Ric}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL PA}}
| debutstadium = MCG
| height = 181 cm
| weight = 80 kg
| position = Small forward
| years1 = 2015–2022
| club1 = {{AFL Ric}}
| games_goals1 = 134 (127)
| statsend = 2022 season
| careerhighlights =
- 3× AFL premiership player: 2017, 2019, 2020
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2017
}}
Jason Castagna ({{IPAc-en|k|æ|s|t|æ|n|j|ɑː}} {{respell|ka|stan|ya}}; born 12 July 1996) is a former professional Australian rules football player for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is a triple premiership player with Richmond. Castagna announced his retirement on 27 February 2023 effective immediately.
Early life and junior football
Castagna spent his teenage years in Kangaroo Ground, 26 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. He played junior club football with Warrandyte and played high school football at Marcellin College in Melbourne's east.{{cite web|title=VFL/AFL Players from Marcellin College|url=https://www.draftguru.com.au/from/marcellin_college|website=Draftguru|access-date=28 December 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Tigers out of the drafts: 2014 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-11-18/tigers-out-of-the-drafts-2014 |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 November 2018}}
In 2013, Castagna was selected to play with the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup. He played ten matches with an average of nine disposals per match.{{cite news|last1=Cavanagh|first1=Chris|title=Northern Knights midfielder Jason Castagna shaping as a real draft chance after breakout year|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sport/northern-knights-midfielder-jason-castagna-shaping-as-a-real-draft-chance-after-breakout-year/news-story/6bdaec1d216b1d733987c280ac4598a4?nk=1de4e0b92ac29693825ca412707c486a-1482881773|access-date=27 December 2016|work=Whittlesea Leader|publisher=News Ltd.|date=30 July 2014}} He returned to the Knights in 2014, playing nine matches and averaging 17 disposals.{{cite news|last1=Prendergast|first1=Josh|title=2 Knights Selected in the Rookie Draft|access-date=28 December 2016|url=http://nthknights.com.au/2-knights-selected-in-the-rookie-draft/|work=Northern Knights FC|publisher=Sportingpulse|date=3 December 2014}}{{cite news|title=2014 Rookie Draft, pick 29: Jason Castagna|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-12-03/2014-rookie-draft-pick-29-jason-castagna|access-date=28 December 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=3 December 2014}}
Castagna represented the Victorian Metro side at the National Under-18 Championships in 2014. He recorded an average of 14 disposals in five matches played that year.{{cite news|title=Draft: the medium defenders|url=http://www.afc.com.au/news/2014-09-15/draft-the-medium-defenders|access-date=27 December 2016|work=Adelaide FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=15 September 2016}}
In the 2014 draft combine, Castagna recorded a beep test score of 15.2; good for equal sixth best in his class.{{cite news|last1=Ractliffe|first1=Damien|title=Northern Knights pair Jayden Short and Jason Castagna join teammate Rhys McKenzie at AFL club Richmond|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sport/northern-knights-pair-jayden-short-and-jason-castagna-join-teammate-rhys-mckenzie-at-afl-club-richmond/news-story/f462c695efa8f0e7a5b80811a152e442|access-date=27 December 2016|work=Whittlesea Leader|publisher=News Ltd.|date=3 December 2014}}
AFL career
=2015 season=
Castagna was drafted with {{AFL Ric}}'s second pick and the 29th selection overall in the 2015 Rookie Draft.
Castagna began the 2015 season playing as a rebounding defender with Richmond's reserves side in the VFL.{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Richmond list assessment: Defenders |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-03-25/richmond-list-assessment-defenders |access-date=9 July 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=25 March 2015}} He was upgraded to the club's senior list in August, following the early retirement of veteran midfielder Nathan Foley.{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Castagna wins promotion|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-03-15/castagna-upgraded-to-senior-list|access-date=28 December 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=15 March 2016}} Though strong form placed him close to a senior call-up at stages, a late season injury would ensure he did not make his AFL debut in 2015.{{cite news|title=Choco's Cub Watch: Jason Castagna|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-03-03/chocos-cub-watch-jason-castagna|access-date=28 December 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=3 March 2015}}
=2016 season=
Castagna was again promoted to the senior list in 2016, filling the last of the club's free senior list spots on the eve of the season. He was named as an emergency in the club's round 6 match against {{AFL PA}}, but was called to play when wingman Kamdyn McIntosh withdrew due to injury{{Citation | date = 1 May 2016 | title = Castagna makes debut | periodical = Footy Prophet | url = http://footyprophet.com/castagna-makes-debut/}} He recorded 11 disposals on debut.{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Castagna's decent debut|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-05-02/castagnas-decent-debut|access-date=28 December 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=2 May 2016}} He played again the next week in a loss to {{AFL Haw}} but was dropped the following week.{{cite news|title=AFL Round 8 teams: Alex Rance returns, Daniel Wells in doubt plus SuperCoach chat|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-round-8-teams-alex-rance-returns-daniel-wells-in-doubt-plus-supercoach-chat/news-story/70769c3a46700bc2e848bb3bd340f4ee?nk=1de4e0b92ac29693825ca412707c486a-1482884259|access-date=28 December 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp|date=13 May 2016}} Castagna made his return to the side in round 16, playing as a forward and recording 19 disposals and his first two career goals.{{cite web|title=Round 16 - Western Bulldogs vs Richmond|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071420160709.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=28 December 2016}} He finished the season having played five games with an average of 14.8 disposals per game.{{cite web|title=Jason Castagna|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/J/Jason_Castagna.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=28 December 2016}}
=2017 season=
File:Castagna handball (cropped).jpg
In March 2017, Castagna was again upgraded to Richmond's senior list.{{cite news|title=Castagna Upgraded To Tigers' Senior List|url=https://www.triplem.com.au/sport/afl/news/rookie-jason-castagna-promoted-to-senior-list-by-richmond-tigers|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Triple M|date=22 March 2017}} He was immediately impactful, playing in the club's round 1 victory against {{AFL Car}}, kicking two goals and recording 20 disposals.{{cite web|title=Round 1 2017, Carlton v Richmond|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2017/031420170323.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=7 June 2017}} In round 4 he kicked a career-high four goals in Richmond's win over the {{AFL BL}}.{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Riewoldt reaps rewards|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-04-18/riewoldt-reaps-rewards|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=18 April 2017}} Castagna, along with forward-line companions Daniel Rioli and Dan Butler, played a key role in Richmond's five game unbeaten start to the 2017 season.{{cite news|last1=Lerner|first1=Ronny|title=Damien Hardwick says small forwards are becoming the most important players|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/damien-hardwick-says-small-forwards-are-becoming-the-most-important-players-20170428-gvuguq.html|access-date=3 May 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=28 April 2017}} After five rounds the small-forward trio had combined for 23 goals (Castagna with eight) and 44 tackles (18 for Castagna). At the mid-season bye, Castagna was one of only 11 players at Richmond to play all 11 matches to that point in the season.{{cite web|title=2017 stats|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/2017.html#14|website=AFL Tables|access-date=7 June 2017}} He was equal third at the club for goals kicked that season and also ranked 12th in the league for forward half pressure.{{cite news|last1=Ralph|first1=Jon|title=Richmond's small forwards are proving the difference and could deliver elusive finals victories|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmonds-small-forwards-are-proving-the-difference-and-could-deliver-elusive-finals-victories/news-story/46de7b22b5d983d5c7de8f1302114cfc?nk=76a8a0e279d6b123d45d7a6a0f6c99e9-1496829006|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=4 June 2017}} In round 18 Castagna laid a career high nine tackles in the club's win over {{AFL GWS}}. Castagna received the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 19 after kicking three goals and gathering 16 disposals in Richmond's 33-point win over the {{AFL GC}} at Metricon Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-31/tiger-rising-star-castagna-has-last-laugh-after-stitch-up|title=Tiger Rising Star has last laugh after 'stitch up'|publisher=AFL.com.au|date=31 July 2017|access-date=31 July 2017}} Castagna was a member of Richmond's finals team in 2017, and kicked a goal in each of the club's three matches in the series including in a victorious Grand Final.{{cite news|last1=Navaratnam|first1=Dinny|title='Mosquito fleet' has too much bite for Crows|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-30/mosquito-fleet-has-too-much-bite-for-crows|access-date=2 October 2017|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=30 September 2017}} He finished the season a premiership player and having played in all 25 matches at senior level. His 26 goals for the season placed him fourth at the club and third among Rising Star eligible players across the season.{{cite web|title=2017 Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2017.html#14|website=AFL Tables|access-date=2 October 2017}} Though he did not place in the award's tally Castagna also ranked top 10 among such players in 12 statistical categories including number one in score involvements, marks inside 50 and tackles inside 50.{{cite news|title=Premiership Tigers' key numbers: Jason Castagna|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-01-16/premiership-tigers-key-numbers-jason-castagna|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=16 January 2018}}
=2018 season=
Castagna entered the 2018 season having earned a permanent promotion to Richmond's senior list and signing a new two-year deal with the club.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-09/tiger-stopper-one-of-three-players-chopped|title=Tiger stopper one of three players chopped|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=9 October 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=16 October 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Cavanagh|first1=Chris|title=Richmond premiership players Jason Castagna and Jacob Townsend re-sign, Anthony Miles also commits|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-premiership-players-jason-castagna-and-jacob-townsend-resign-anthony-miles-also-commits/news-story/5aa3f0d9a49d96eba1ba436b55fb9671|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=6 November 2017}} He also changed his guernsey number, moving up to the number 11 vacated by the de-listed Jake Batchelor at season's end.{{cite news|last1=Browne|first1=Ashley|title=Premiership Tigers get a number bump|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-12-11/premiership-tigers-get-a-number-bump|access-date=28 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=11 December 2017}} Castagna had his first opportunity to wear it in February, lining up in the Richmond side for an AFLX round robin in Sydney.{{cite news|last1=McFarlane|first1=Glenn|title=Richmond plans to implement the same manic pressure that won the premiership in 2018|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-plans-to-implement-the-same-manic-pressure-that-won-the-premiership-in-2018/news-story/fc56a353d72022fe8740e09665ca757e|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=18 February 2018}} He also played in each of the club's two pre-season matches before lining up against {{AFL Car}} in round 1 of the home and away season.{{cite news|last1=Edmund|first1=Sam|title=No premiership hangover for Richmond in 2018 after dominant 70-point win over North Melbourne|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/no-premiership-hangover-for-richmond-in-2018-after-dominant-70point-win-over-north-melbourne/news-story/d0e3bc5a6f9da4f5d00c07087061dc5d|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=8 March 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan|title=Match report: Scorching Tigers thump flat Dons|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/jlt-community-series/2018/1/ess-v-rich|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222134501/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/jlt-community-series/2018/1/ess-v-rich|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2018|access-date=28 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=24 February 2018}} Castagna attracted media attention in round 3 when he was incorrectly awarded a goal during a video umpire review only for the call to be reviewed a second time and the correct decision to be applied.{{cite news|last1=Cleary|first1=Mitch|title=Five talking points: R3|url=http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2018-04-08/five-talking-points-r3|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Hawthorn FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=8 April 2018}} He also attracted the coaches attention though, awarded two votes in the association's player of the year award after a three-goal performance.{{cite news|title=Coaches' votes: R4|url=http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2018-04-17/coaches-votes-r4|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Hawthorn FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=17 April 2018}} Another three goals followed the next week in the club's round 4 win over Brisbane.{{cite news|last1=Browne|first1=Ashley|title=Match report: Dusty destroys two-goal Lions|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-04-14/match-report-richmond-v-brisbane|access-date=28 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=14 April 2018}} In round 8 Castagna suffered a hyper-extended knee in the final quarter of that match against {{AFL NM}} but suffered no serious damage as a result.{{cite news|last1=Browne|first1=Ashley|title=Match report: Tigers hold off brave Kangaroos|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-05-13/match-report-north-melbourne-v-richmond|access-date=13 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=13 May 2018}} He played the following week against {{AFL WC}} but missed the club's round 10 match due to some later soreness that emerged as a result of that hyper-extension.{{cite news|title=Dimma backs Dusty to lift for AFL Tigers|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dimma-backs-dusty-to-lift-for-afl-tigers|access-date=28 May 2018|work=SBS.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=SBS|date=24 May 2018}}{{cite news|title=Round 11 injury update|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-28/round-11-injury-update|access-date=28 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=28 May 2018}} Castagna missed a second match in round 11, before returning with a two-goal performance in the club's round 12 loss to {{AFL PA}}.{{cite news |last1=Gaskin |first1=Lee |title=Tigers fail to fire against Port |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/match-centre/2018/12/port-v-rich |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 June 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} During that match he received a nomination for Mark of the Year, with a fourth-quarter forward-line specky attracting the highest fan vote of three nominees that round.{{cite news |title=By George, he flew high! |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-12/by-george-he-flew-high |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2018}} For a four-game stretch between rounds 15 and 18, Catagna registered eight behinds and failed to kick a goal.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Castagna back on target |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-04/castagna-back-on-target |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 August 2018}} That included a particularly notable poor kicking performance in round 17 where he recorded five behinds and one shot out on the full.{{cite news |last1=Denham |first1=Greg |title=Tigers' loss to Giants down to poor kicking not the umpires |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-loss-to-giants-down-to-poor-kicking-not-the-umpires/news-story/344b7a50021b44fa8bacf86c324b9b11 |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=16 July 2018}} He improved his output in the final five matches of the season though, kicking a total of seven goals including two goals in a 17 disposal effort in round 23, his 50th career AFL match. In the first week of the finals series the minor premiership winning Richmond hosted fourth placed {{AFL Haw}} where Castagna recorded seven tackles but failed to score himself in what was a 31-point victory. His lack of scoreboard output was repeated in the preliminary final, where Castagna's side was knocked out in a shock loss to {{AFL Col}}.{{cite news |last1=Lemon |first1=Geoff |title=AFL preliminary final: Collingwood shock Richmond - as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/sep/21/afl-preliminary-final-richmond-v-collingwood-live |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Media Group |date=21 September 2018}} Castagna finished 2018 having played 22 matches and kicking 26 goals.
=2019 season=
File:Jason Castagna 25.05.19.jpg game in May 2019]]
Castagna underwent a restricted pre-season training program in the lead up to the 2019 season, after suffering a minor ankle syndesmosis sprain in early January of that year.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title='There'll be no rush with him': Lynch no lock for round one |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-01-19/therell-be-no-rush-with-him-lynch-no-lock-for-round-one |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 January 2019}} By early February he had resumed running but delays in his progression meant he would miss each of the club's two pre-season matches.{{cite news |title=Where's your club at? Pre-season update, injuries and more |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-02-09/wheres-your-club-at-preseason-update-injuries-and-more |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 February 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Richmond forward Jason Castagna has worked hard on improving his goalkicking accuracy over summer |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-forward-jason-castagna-has-worked-hard-on-improving-his-goalkicking-accuracy-over-summer/news-story/710557cb5fb89781fc85f7df0e08f8b0 |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=2 March 2019}} After two uninterrupted weeks of skills training, Castanga began the season with limited minutes in a VFL practice match with Richmond's reserves side before immediately earning AFL selection in the club's round 2 match against {{AFL Col}}.{{cite news |title=Round 1 injury update |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-15/round-1-injury-update |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Premiership pair to return in VFL practice match |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-21/premiership-pair-to-return-in-vfl-practice-match |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2019}}{{cite news |title=Three Tiger changes for Pies clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-27/round-2-team-announcement |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 March 2019}} He was unable to impact the scoreboard in the early part of the season, going goalless in each of his first three matches. In round 5 Castagna scored one goal, before adding three more in round 6's ANZAC Day eve win over {{AFL Mel}}.{{cite news |title=Richmond beats Melbourne by 43 points at the MCG, putting the Tigers in the top four for now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-24/tigers-too-strong-for-demons-on-anzac-day-eve-at-the-mcg/11038138 |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=24 April 2019}} Two weeks later he would receive the award for the AFL's Goal of the Week, for a running snap while navigating around multiple {{AFL Fre}} defenders in round 8.{{cite news |title=By George, what a goal! |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-13/by-george-what-a-goal |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Travis |title=Wounded Tigers still prove too strong for Freo |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-12/match-report-fremantle-v-richmond |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 May 2019}} In late May he signed a two-year contract extension which would see him contracted through to the end of the 2021 season.{{cite news |title=Balta, Castagna sign new deals |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-23/castagna-and-balta-contract-extensions |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 May 2019}} Castagna played through the club's mid-season bye averaging 12 disposals a game and having kicked 11 goals in his 12 games to that point of the year. He was exceptional in Richmond's second game back after the bye, taking a career-best 10 marks and kicking a career-best five goals including three in the first quarter as his side demolished {{AFL GC}} by 92 points.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Castagna shines in Sunshine State |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/238175/castagna-shines-in-sunshine-state |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 July 2019}} For that performance, Castagna earned his first two career Brownlow Medal votes, a place in AFL Media's Team of the Week, 7 coaches award votes and best afield honours as adjudged by The Age.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R16: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/92225/team-of-the-week-r16-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=Coaches' votes, R16: Superstar Dog in striking distance of lead |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/132176/coaches-votes-r16-superstar-dog-in-striking-distance-of-lead |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Stafford |first1=Andrew |title=Tigers bombard woeful Suns and win hefty percentage boost |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-bombard-woeful-suns-and-win-hefty-percentage-boost-20190706-p524s9.html |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=6 July 2019}} Castagna closed out the regular season with seven goals in the final seven matches as well as posting 22 disposals in round 21's win over {{AFL Car}}, his highest tally since his debut season and his most while playing as a forward. In the opening round of the finals, Castagna contributed a goal as Richmond defeated the {{AFL BL}} by 47 points in their qualifying final at The Gabba.{{cite news |last1=Olle |first1=Sarah |title=AFL Finals 2019: Player ratings for Richmond against Brisbane Lions in Second Qualifying Final |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2019-player-ratings-for-richmond-against-brisbane-lions-in-second-qualifying-final/news-story/ed883287779c39e6f11bf0b6eb616a98 |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=7 September 2019}} AFL Media said he "played an important role" in the preliminary final a fortnight later, kicking two goals as his side defeated {{AFL Gee}} and earned a grand final matchup against {{AFL GWS}}.{{cite news |last1=Gaskin |first1=Lee |title=Every Tiger rated from the preliminary final |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/82696/every-tiger-rated-from-the-preliminary-final |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 September 2019}} Castagna was prolific in the grand final, recording 20 disposals and six shots on goal in his side's 89-point victory that earned him a second premiership in three years.{{cite news |last1=Whiting |first1=Michael |title=Player ratings: Every Tiger rated from the Grand Final |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/93053/player-ratings-richmond |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Orange crushed: Tigers roar once more under Dimma's dynasty |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/94577/orange-crushed-tigers-roar-once-more-under-dimma-s-dynasty |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 September 2019}} He did however miss all six shots on goal, leading AFL Media to say he had "threatened to be one of the game's best players but ultimately let himself down with his finishing."{{cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Konrad |title=Stronger & Bolder |publisher=Slattery Media Group |location=Melbourne, Australia |isbn=9781743796375 |page=293}} Castagna kicked a then career-best 27 goals to finish third in Richmond's goalkicking tally that year, while also ranking first for tackles inside-50, second for marks inside-50 and equal third for tackles.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Premiership Tigers' statistical summary: Jason Castagna |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/208933/premiership-tigers-statistical-summary-jason-castagna |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 November 2019}} He ultimately placed equal-tenth in the club's best and fairest count.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Prestia captures Jack Dyer Medal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/79437/prestia-captures-jack-dyer-medal |access-date=21 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 October 2019}}
=2020 season=
Castagna featured in the pre-season series in March 2020, and was named by AFL Media as among {{AFL Ric}}'s best players with a two-goal performance in the last of those two matches.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Tigers go down to Pies |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/570460/tigers-go-down-to-pies |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Curley |first1=Adam |title=Toby turns it on as Giants, Tigers turn up the heat |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/382939/giants-get-a-little-bit-of-grand-final-revenge |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 March 2020}} He kicked an equal team-high three goals in a round 1 win over {{AFL Car}} when the season began a fortnight later, but under extraordinary conditions imposed on the league as a result of the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic into Australia.{{cite news |title=AFL to go ahead with round one of men's 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-afl-round-one-announcement/12066394 |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Why coronavirus could force the AFL to play games without fans |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384419/why-coronavirus-could-force-the-afl-to-play-games-without-fans |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 March 2019}}{{cite news |author=David Mark |author2=James Coventry |name-list-style=amp|title=AFL looking at cramming matches in case coronavirus outbreak postpones 2020 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-14/coronavirus-afl-looking-at-drastic-changes-to-premiership-season/12056848 |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Fast-starting Tigers shake off brave Blues in eerie opener |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/386977/fast-starting-tigers-shake-off-brave-blues-in-eerie-opener |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 March 2020}} In what the league planned would be the first of a reduced 17-round season, the match was played without crowds in attendance due to public health prohibitions on large gatherings and with quarter lengths reduced by one fifth in order to reduce the physical load on players who would be expected to play multiple matches with short breaks in the second half of the year.{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Coronavirus crisis: AFL makes call on round one |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384878/coronavirus-crisis-afl-makes-call-on-round-one |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=Coronavirus crisis and footy: The state of play |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384862/coronavirus-crisis-and-footy-the-state-of-play |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2020}} Just three days later, the AFL Commission suspended the season for an indefinite period after multiple states enforced quarantine conditions on their borders that effectively ruled out the possibility of continuing the season as planned.{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title='Most serious threat in 100 years': AFL postpones season |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/389109/-most-serious-threat-in-100-years-afl-postpones-season |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=AFL suspends season in response to coronavirus, with AFLW season cancelled — but NRL plays on for now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-afl-suspends-season-aflw-cancelled-nrl-plays-on/12079476 |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 March 2020}} Castagna contributed 11 disposals in a draw against {{AFL Col}} when the season resumed in June after an 11-week hiatus.{{cite news |title=AFL 2020 season will restart on June 11 following coronavirus shutdown |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-15/coronavirus-afl-2020-season-restart-on-june-11/12243778 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=15 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=It's a draw! All square in footy's nail-biting return |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/447326/it-s-a-draw-all-square-in-footy-s-nail-biting-return |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 June 2020}} Castagna ranked second at Richmond with six goals to round 4 and kicked one more in round 5, before the club was relocated to the Gold Coast in response to a virus outbreak in Melbourne.{{cite news |author=Jon Pierik |author2=Michael Gleeson |name-list-style=amp|title=Dual injury blows: Tiger Astbury and Hawk Breust sidelined for a month |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/blow-for-tigers-with-astbury-out-for-five-weeks-20200630-p557q8.html |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=30 June 2020}}{{cite news |author=Emily Halloran |author2=Tom Boswell |name-list-style=amp|title=AFL players land on the Gold Coast ready for hub life |url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/coronavirus/afl-players-land-on-the-gold-coast-ready-for-hub-life/news-story/1956aabd4f0d144dc2f32afbb0cd4dea |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 July 2020}} He kicked two goals and had seven marks in round 9's win over the {{AFL WB}}, but one week later The Age labelled his output that season as "modest".{{cite news |title=Richmond outclasses Western Bulldogs by 41 points to kick off AFL's 20-day festival of footy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-29/afl-richmond-tigers-beat-western-bulldogs-on-gold-coast/12505402 |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=ABC News |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=29 July 2020}}{{cite news |author=Daniel Cherny |author2=Anthony Colangelo |name-list-style=amp|title=AFL mid-season report: Who's firing, who's flopped? |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-mid-season-report-who-s-firing-who-s-flopped-20200730-p55h24.html |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=2 August 2020}} Despite a five disposal game in round 11 that 1116 SEN labeled as having "almost zero impact", Castagna ranked equal-third for goals, third for marks inside 50 and equal-fifth for inside-50s among Richmond players to that point in the season.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Martin, Bolton stats standouts |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/793327/martin-bolton-stats-standouts |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 August 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Slevison |first1=Andrew |title=THE PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT AND THOSE WHO MUST IMPROVE FROM ROUND 11 |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/08/13/the-players-who-stood-out-and-those-who-must-improve-from-round-11/ |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=1116SEN |publisher=Crocmedia |date=13 August 2020}} In round 14, Castagna was named by AFL Media as among Richmond's best players in a win over {{AFL WC}}, after recording 16 disposals and kicking one goal.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Ferocious, clinical Tigers end Eagles' winning streak |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/491125/ferocious-clinical-tigers-end-eagles-winning-streak |access-date=12 September 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 August 2020}} After being one of just four Richmond players to play in every regular season game that year, Castagna opened his finals campaign with a one goal performance in a qualifying final loss to the {{AFL BL}}.{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Shayne |title=Castagna eyes straighter AFL finals series |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6951264/castagna-eyes-straighter-afl-finals-series/?cs=9465 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=The Canberra Times |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Community Media |date=1 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Zita |first1=David |title=Tigers Player Ratings: Dusty starts strongly but fades fast, teammates follow suit |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-brisbane-lions-second-qualifying-final-reviews-stats-tigers-best-and-worst-players/news-story/156df1b76297836ac1f12af8237ff86c |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=2 October 2020}} He kicked one more goal in the semi-final win over {{AFL StK}} a week later, before a quieter output against {{AFL PA}} in a victorious preliminary final one week later.{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=Tigers player ratings: Young gun ascends to A-grade status, Dusty's sneaky great night |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-st-kilda-second-semi-final-reviews-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/afdeaa6b7f13cced41d21c91e03b900e |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=9 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Zita |first1=David |title=Tigers player ratings: One Tiger stood tall over the rest... and it wasn't Dusty |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-port-adelaide-first-preliminary-final-reviews-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/5a240d072bb6873234eb176397899eaf |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=16 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Josh |title=RICHMOND V PORT PLAYER RATINGS: WAS UNLIKELY TIGER BETTER THAN DUSTY? |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-richmond-v-port-adelaide-live-2020-preliminary-finals/live-coverage/434e43a65ac460109d14aa84cdf22cca |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=16 October 2020}} Castagna became a three-time premiership player in the grand final the following week, kicking a goal in a third-quarter fightback as Richmond defeated {{AFL Gee}} by 31 points.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Yellow and black to back: Tigers stun Cats in epic Grand Final comeback |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/521172/yellow-and-black-to-back-tigers-stun-cats-in-epic-come-from-behind-win |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 October 2020}}{{cite news |author=Chris Cavanagh |author2=Nick Smart |author3=Matt Turner |title=AFL Grand Final 2020: Every Richmond and Geelong player rated |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-grand-final-2020-every-richmond-and-geelong-player-rated/news-story/764108c23b6531ae032fb7ac6d3ffe34 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 October 2020}} In addition to his premiership silverware, Castagna's 17 goals placed him fourth among Richmond goalkickers and earned him 13th place in the club's best and fairest award in a season that saw him feature in all 21 possible matches.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Short secures Jack Dyer Medal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/831588/short-secures-jack-dyer-medal |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 October 2020}}
Player profile
Castagna plays as a versatile small forward with good marking abilities for his height, reliable offensive skills and is also particularly adept at applying forward-half defensive pressure.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Jason Castagna |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/275951/coaches-corner-jason-castagna |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 April 2019}} Since 2017 he has made improvements on relatively poor set shot goalkicking after Richmond coaches identified it as an area of weakness for him.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Coaches' Corner: Jason Castagna |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/245904/coaches-corner-jason-castagna |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2019}} In his first two years at Richmond, Castagna played as a rebounding half-back but switched roles to become a small forward ahead of the 2017 season, a role he has maintained since.
Statistics
Updated to the end of round 23, 2022.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/J/Jason_Castagna.html|title=Jason Castagna|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=28 December 2016}}
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start with votes}}
|-
| 2015 || {{AFL Ric}} || 46
| 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 2016 || {{AFL Ric}} || 46
| 5 || 2 || 0 || 40 || 34 || 74 || 20 || 8 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 8.0 || 6.8 || 14.8 || 4.0 || 1.6 || 0
|-
| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2017#
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 46 || 25 || 26 || 20 || 149 || 121 || 270 || 74 || 75 || 1.0 || 0.8 || 6.0 || 4.8 || 10.8 || 3.0 || 3.0 || 0
|-
| 2018 || {{AFL Ric}} || 11
| 22 || 26 || 24 || 128 || 99 || 227 || 65 || 64 || 1.2 || 1.1 || 5.8 || 4.5 || 10.3 || 3.0 || 2.9 || 0
|-
| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2019#
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 11 || 24 || 27 || 28 || 200 || 153 || 353 || 99 || 75 || 1.1 || 1.2 || 8.3 || 6.4 || 14.7 || 4.1 || 3.1 || 2
|-
| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2020#{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.|name=|group=}}
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 11 || 21 || 17 || 12 || 142 || 96 || 238 || 71 || 46 || 0.8 || 0.6 || 6.8 || 4.6 || 11.3 || 3.4 || 2.2 || 0
|-
| 2021 || {{AFL Ric}} || 11
| 21 || 17 || 13 || 120 || 126 || 246 || 85 || 41 || 0.8 || 0.6 || 5.7 || 6.0 || 11.7 || 4.0 || 2.0 || 0
|-
| 2022 || {{AFL Ric}} || 11
| 16 || 12 || 9 || 100 || 81 || 181 || 59 || 33 || 0.8 || 0.6 || 6.3 || 5.1 || 11.3 || 3.7 || 2.1 || 0
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=3| Career
! 134
! 127
! 106
! 879
! 710
! 1589
! 473
! 342
! 0.9
! 0.8
! 6.6
! 5.3
! 11.9
! 3.5
! 2.6
! 2
|}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
Honours and achievements
Team
- 3× AFL premiership player ({{AFL Ric}}): 2017, 2019, 2020
- McClelland Trophy ({{AFL Ric}}): 2018
Individual
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2017
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Richplayer|id=1126/jason-castagna}}
- {{AFL Tables|ref=J/Jason_Castagna.html}}
- [http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-richmond-tigers--jason-castagna Jason Castagna's statistics] from Footy Wire
{{2017 Richmond premiership players}}
{{2019 Richmond premiership players}}
{{2020 Richmond premiership players}}
{{2017 AFL Rising Star nominees}}
{{2015 AFL rookie draft}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Castagna, Jason}}
Category:Richmond Football Club players
Category:Richmond Football Club premiership players
Category:Northern Knights players
Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)
Category:VFL/AFL premiership players