Kane Lambert retires [merged]

[one-eyed]

Understated Tigers' mature rookie comes of age

afl.com.au
2 July 2017

RICHMOND midfielder Kane Lambert is one of those rookie-list success stories that shows talent, and not age, should be the determining factor in establishing an AFL career.

While he doesn't grab the headlines of Dustin Martin, Alex Rance or Jack Riewoldt, Lambert's contribution to the Tigers is an under-rated part of why they suddenly find themselves in the top four.

In just his 41st game, the 25-year-old had a career-high 33 possessions (including 12 contested) for the Tigers in their rousing 13-point victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Lambert also laid a team-high 10 tackles and was level with ruckman Toby Nankervis for leading the side for clearances with six.

"It felt like a high-running game, they're very good in the contest so we had to try and match them there and then try to exploit them on the outside," Lambert told AFL.com.au.

Lambert arrived at the Tigers as the 46th overall pick in the 2014 rookie draft after pressing his claims in the VFL with the Northern Bullants and Williamstown.

After 28 games in his first two seasons, he's established himself in the side this year, missing only the round one win against Carlton.

The Tigers had winners across the park, especially in the second half when they booted eight goals to three.

All-Australian defender Rance shook off the attention of Jackson Trengove, who was shadowing him all night as a defensive forward, to have an impact.

"It's credit to Rancey, as a fullback getting tagged, but his second half was fantastic," Lambert said.

"He's a superstar of the game and sides are going to do that to him.

"But I thought he was well assisted by David Astbury and Dylan Grimes back there as well."

Lambert also had praise for the performance of Martin, who picked up a team-high 36 disposals and booted a key goal in the third quarter.

"He's an unbelievable player and it's a real credit even to play with him," Lambert said.

"Just to be able to see him live and the things he does, but the best thing about Dusty is he's a real team man as well.

"He's a great teammate in that sense, so we're really excited what he's done and what he's going to do."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-02/tigers-mature-rookie-comes-of-age

[mat073]

Im so impressed with this bloke . Having a sensational year. There are many reasons why we sit in fourth spot. He is one .

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Port pooting themselves was another reason

[mightytiges]

One of a few Tigers who turned up to play tonight. At least he can hold up his head unlike most of his teammates who went missing from the first bounce.

[the claw]

One of a few Tigers who turned up to play tonight. At least he can hold up his head unlike most of his teammates who went missing from the first bounce.

YEP WIN OR LOSE THIS BLOKE WILL GIVE 100%Shame he is not a bit bigger  or had a little more class but he does what has to be done well or his role, and he always competes.

[1885]

Last 5 games have been quite steady. Good work Lambo.   

[Slipper]

Lambert was a pivotal player inside 50 in the second qtr against the Giants.

That roved goal coming across the front of the pack when it bounced of Rioli's chest was a beauty. KB would have been proud of it.

He set up the kick inside 50 which lead to Riewoldt's mark in the goal square as well.

Numerous other times he was there and about when the ball was inside 50.

[The Machine]

What i love most about Lambert is he is so strong and keeps his feet. He regularly bumps larger opposition players off their feet and wins the contact. He want it more than most

[Francois Jackson]

What i love most about Lambert is he is so strong and keeps his feet. He regularly bumps larger opposition players off their feet and wins the contact. He want it more than most

this.

[(•))(©™]

Like

[YellowandBlackBlood]

Gets 100% out of himself week in week out.

Can't say that about many....

[FooffooValve]

He isn't Craig Lambert's son, but he will be a very good pick-up IMO. If he doesn't make it it won't be lack of effort that holds him back, put it that way. He will have an almighty crack.

Great prediction by..oh yeah..me. 

[🏅Dooks]

I love Brane

[one-eyed]

Richmond VFL and development coach Craig McRae analyses the impressive rise of Kane Lambert from rookie list to key member of the Tigers’ line-up in this week’s ‘Coaches’ Corner’.

Capitalising on hard work

“He’s not someone that’s ever been gifted with anything . . . he’s had to earn everything. He’s maybe playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, realising that every game’s important to him, and is making the most of his opportunities.”

True professional

“I think he’d have to be in the top one or two most professional players we have. He comes back after the off-season, or after a break, and he’s in ripping condition. He works really hard to improve in everything he does. He’s probably the first to get on the track and the last to leave . . . I think a lot of the young players can learn a lot off him.”

Main on-field attributes

“If you go and watch him play, he covers the ground more than most. His ability to get from contest to contest and his crumbing is elite . . . He complements our midfield really well.”

On-field role in ‘17

“He’s had games where he’s played midfield. But he’s also been playing that forward role, where he gets up high and then gets back. So, it’s been a bit of both . . . He’s a great role player, great character, and a guy that the players love playing with.”

Areas of improvement for him

“I think just maybe his decision-making, at times, and finishing inside 50 and around goals with those shots on the run.”

Solid performance v Geelong last Saturday

“I thought, early, he was one of our best players with his ability to find space. He was up in the midfield and working his way back. Geelong’s defence is really hard to break through, but his work-rate and contest-to-contest ability is his greatest strength.”

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-08-16/focus-on-kane-lambert

[1885]

Well done lad keep building