Richmond rookie Kane Lambert liked to Anthony Miles and Anthony StevensSam Landsberger
Herald-Sun
December 05, 2014DUAL premiership coach Denis Pagan says Richmond rookie Kane Lambert reminds him of a right-footed Anthony Stevens.
And Pagan — who coached the 2009 Northern Knights best-and-fairest winner in the TAC Cup — tipped Lambert to join James Podsiadly, Michael Barlow and Sam Dwyer as celebrated VFL success stories.
Lambert, 23, was overlooked for a fifth national draft in six years last Thursday (in 2010 he became disillusioned and didn’t play) but won his chance with the Tigers’ last live rookie pick, No.46.
“They’ve made a very wise choice,” Pagan said.
“It’s not often you go overboard but I just think he’s an outstanding player and I was flabbergasted he wasn’t picked up for the last couple of years.”
Pagan said Lambert had “special attributes” and when asked about the parallels with North Melbourne champion Stevens, he said: “He’s pretty tough, he’s pretty hard and he’s never beaten.
“If you’re going into a battle I reckon you’d be comfortable with Kane Lambert next to you.”
In 2013 Lambert averaged 26 disposals, won the VFL Rising Star award and finished a vote off the league best-and-fairest medal but, despite strong AFL interest, he was again passed up.
Lambert crossed from Northern Blues to Williamstown on a big transfer fee this year and while a hip injury plagued him early, a scintillating finish was enough for the Tigers.
“His football smarts are exceptional,” Williamstown football manager Chris Dixon said.
“His ball-winning ability is exceptional, he’s clever and he’s sharp around goals.”
Kane Lambert has finally earned a spot on an AFL list. Picture: Kris Reichl Source: News Limited
Dixon said Lambert was ready to make an impact at AFL level in a similar vain to Anthony Miles, who the Tigers rookie-listed last year.
“Miles also dominated the state leagues and while he was criticised for (lack of) pace at times, Kane has too but once you look beyond that they are extremely good footballers who do a lot of things right.”
After missing the 2009 draft Lambert returned to football in 2011 and shot to VFL prominence in a breakout finals campaign, where he tagged Travis Colyer, Ricky Dyson and Myles Sewell.
Lambert formed an alliance with former Blue Jordan Russell and has been touted as an AFL prospect by his four VFL coaches.
Dixon said Lambert’s matchwinning 32-disposal, 15-clearance and four-goal semi-final this year illustrated his reputation as a big-game player.
“And he’s one of the best characters I’ve ever met in football. He was a potential captain,” he said.
Dixon and Pagan lauded the 178cm onballer’s courage and goalkicking ability.
WHAT THE TIGERS SAY“He competes well and has a burst of speed to break away from the stoppages. He is also a dangerous player around goals.” — Recruiter Francis Jackson
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-rookie-kane-lambert-liked-to-anthony-miles-and-anthony-stevens/story-fndv8t7m-1227145229773
