Kane Lambert getting the rewards for hard work after long journey to the AFLChris Vernuccio
Herald-Sun
August 22, 2015 KANE Lambert had just come off a poor game and was determined to make amends in Williamstown’s VFL semi-final against Werribee.
Seagulls football manager Chris Dixon saw a “steely resolve” in Lambert that day with the end result a match-winning 32-disposal and four-goal display, and ultimately selection by Richmond in last year’s rookie draft.
It is no surprise to Dixon that just nine games into his AFL career the tough ball-getter is already an invaluable member of the Tigers’ midfield.
Lambert has averaged 20.8 possessions and 89 rankings points in the past five rounds and he has become a damaging player forward of centre.
Over those five matches, the 23-year-old ranks second at the Tigers for score involvements (7.4 per game), and fourth for contested possessions (10.0 per game) clearances (3.6 per game) and inside 50s (3.2 per game).
“We always thought he had it in him. It’s no surprise to see him come in (to the AFL) and have such an impact,” Dixon said.
“He does have that ability to find the football and he’s shown that at every level that he’s been at.
“Obviously it stands out a lot more at VFL level but I think hopefully it’s starting to be recognised at AFL level.
“It’s great to see him doing so well at Richmond.”
Lambert played his best game in last Sunday’s 83-point win against Gold Coast, accumulating a personal-best 27 possessions, five clearances, six inside 50s, two goals, two assists and eight score involvements.
He was the most influential player in the first half against the Suns with 15 disposals.
His two goals for the game were a mix of skill and courage — the first with a snap from a forward stoppage in the opening quarter and the second after taking a mark running against the flight of the ball early in the fourth.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said Lambert had worked hard to get where he is now.
“We all know his story. He’s taken a little bit of time to get here but he doesn’t look out of place,” Hardwick said post-match.
“It’s a real credit to him. He works incredibly hard.
“The upside for us is he’s still got some areas of improvement that will take him to a new level as a player.
“He’s earned his place.”
That story Hardwick referred to is Lambert being overlooked for five national drafts.
Lambert did not nominate for the 2010 draft after he was ignored the first time the previous year.
He was even passed up in 2013 despite being named the VFL Rising Star and one vote from winning the JJ Liston Trophy playing for the Northern Blues.
But Richmond finally took notice the following year after Lambert’s outstanding semi-final performance, choosing him with its last live rookie pick.
“That game we were down by five goals at three-quarter time, staring down the barrel so to speak,” Dixon said.
“So for him to kick three last-quarter goals, I don’t think there’s a bigger moment than that.
“He’s a really driven character. That week he was coming off a poor week the week before. He’s very driven to achieve results and he had a really steely resolve about him that day.
“He was the one that got us over the line that day and it probably got him over the line in terms of being picked up (by Richmond).”
And with the Tigers September bound, Lambert will enhance his reputation as a big-game player should he help get them over the line for their first finals win since 2001.
KANE LAMBERT - BY THE NUMBERS Rounds 1-15 Rounds 16-20 Club rank (rounds 16-20)
Matches 4 5
Rankings points 36 89 6th
Disposals 8.5 20.8 7th
Contested possessions 3.5 10.0 4th
Uncontested possessions 5.0 11.0 9th
Metres gained 169 283 8th
Clearances 0.5 3.6 4th
Inside 50s 2.5 3.2 4th
Tackles 1.5 3.2 8th
Score involvements 4.0 7.4 2nd
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/kane-lambert-getting-the-rewards-for-hard-work-after-long-journey-to-the-afl/story-fndv8t7m-1227493545705
