Connor Menadue primed to fight for senior spot, says Kane LambertDaniel Cherny
The Age
February 29, 2016 7:00pmBulked-up Connor Menadue is primed to fight for a spot in Richmond's first-round team, according to teammate Kane Lambert.
Menadue, 19, played just five games in his first season - the majority as the substitute - but he was among the Tigers' best in Saturday's NAB Challenge win over Hawthorn at Beaconsfield.
The 187-centimetre utility had 12 disposals against the Hawks, but went at 100 per cent efficiency, and slotted two goals.
Lambert said Menadue, taken at pick 33 in the 2014 draft, had improved markedly in his second pre-season. "He's extremely quick, he's a great runner, he's very good when he plays his way," Lambert said.
"He's had a great pre-season, he's put on a little bit of size, and he's going to come along nicely."
Another second-year Tiger, Corey Ellis, was quieter against the Hawks, but Lambert said he liked that Ellis was also showing positive signs.
More recent draftees Daniel Rioli and Mabior Chol also caught Lambert's eye. First-round selection Rioli had 11 disposals and kicked a goal, while Chol provided the odd moment of spark with his pace.
"Obviously, Rioli showed quite a bit of excitement, Mabior as well," Lambert said. "They're real excitement packages too, it's fantastic to see them boys coming along."
Lambert, 24, recovered from a serious early shoulder injury to play 13 games in his first season at Punt Road. It was enough to earn him a permanent promotion to the senior list, although Lambert said his mindset hadn't changed significantly.
"No matter if I'm on a rookie list or I'm on a senior list, I still approach the game and training in the same way," he said. "It hasn't changed too much. But it's great to know the coaches have the confidence in me to upgrade me to the list."
With the interchange cap having been reduced from 120 to 90, Tigers assistant coach Brendon Lade said after the match that Richmond had been developing an array of players capable of spending time both in the midfield and forward.
Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Lennon, Shane Edwards and Menadue were all multiple goalkickers at Holm Park Recreation Reserve, an encouraging sign, especially given Ty Vickery, Shaun Grigg, Brett Deledio and Ben Griffiths are all still to return.
Lambert noted that he was earmarked for such a role, saying he was keen to build on his eight-goal season last year, while also building on his fitness.
"I want to take my running capacity to another level, and I had to put on a few kilos. I was a bit light last year," he said. "And a bit of versatility, whether I'm in the midfield, or through forward. Trying to understand both those roles."
Overall Lambert said the mood was upbeat at Richmond, despite their three straight elimination final losses.
The Tigers face Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Thursday week, their final tune-up before the traditional season opener against Carlton.
"Look, there's obviously a lot of excitement. We're working on things and looking forward to round one. I suppose we don't look too far into the result, it's NAB Cup and all sides are just trying to play the way they want."
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