Tambling's time to roar JON PIERIK
March 21, 2010 RICHMOND skipper Chris Newman said the time had come for midfielder Richard Tambling to emerge as a leader and help the club avoid another year of pain.
Tambling, 23, has been a strong performer through the practice match campaign.
In a team now bereft of experience since the departures of Joel Bowden, Matthew Richardson and Nathan Brown, the Tigers will look to players such as Tambling, preparing for his sixth season, to fill the void.
"He is one of those we are talking about who can step up and show some leadership around the club,'' Newman said.
Tambling, taken with the fourth pick of the 2004 draft, one spot ahead of Lance Franklin, has endured often unfavorable comparisons with the Hawthorn superstar.
Tambling's accuracy by foot and his decision-making have been questioned, but last year he delivered his best season, averaging 21.5 touches and finishing fourth in the best and fairest - one spot behind Newman and just in front of Ben Cousins.
The Tigers' new look under coach Damien Hardwick will almost certainly mean several rookies will be unveiled against Carlton in the season-opener on Thursday night at the MCG.
Midfielder Dustin Martin, the club's top pick in last year's national draft, appears set to head the cast, while midfielders Jeromey Webberley and Ben Nason and indigenous forward Troy Taylor have also impressed.
It's these new faces the Tigers hope can ultimately deliver on the club's ambitious plan to reap three premierships in the next 10 years.
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/tamblings-time-to-roar-20100320-qnbr.html
