Had enough: Richard Tambling is sick of the unflattering camparisions with Hawthorn's Lance Franklin as critics throw up the theory that Richmond chose the wrong man at No.4 in the 2004 national draft. Franklin chops at Tambling spirit
12 May 2007 Herald-Sun
Richard Earle
RICHARD Tambling is tired of the comparisons. So is his mentor Dean Rioli.
Critics are pedalling the theory Richmond chose the wrong cattle in taking Tambling at No. 4 at the 2004 national draft ahead of Hawthorn's Lance Franklin at No. 5.
The keen pig-shooter from the Northern Territory now feels like he's the hunted in the AFL jungle.
Hindsight is wonderful.
Lost in a haze is Brett Deledio's path to Punt Rd as the Tigers' No. 1 pick in 2004.
Hawthorn chose Jarryd Roughead at No. 2, while the Western Bulldogs cracked midfielder Ryan Griffen at No.3.
The irony isn't lost on 39-game forward Tambling, 20.
"It's starting to get to me a bit," said Tambling of unflattering comparisons in the wake of Franklin's 23-goal haul this year.
The free-spirit who once roamed Kakadu catching barramundi and magpie-geese senses he's cornered.
"You don't hear people talking about Jarryd Roughead or Ryan Griffen when there's comparison with Lance Franklin, it's always me and you do get sick of it."
"Maybe it's because we are both fast and indigenous, I'm not sure."
Former Essendon half-forward Dean Rioli rated Tambling the best pick of the 2004 draft and believes he could still prove the most successful.
"Richmond get pumped so the critics start second-guessing. They still got a good player in Richie," said Rioli, who retired after his 100th game last season.
"He was one of the best juniors I had ever seen. He will take longer to adapt, being smaller and thinner than the other guys.
"In the long run Lance Franklin might finish his career at 29, while Richie might fill out and go until he's 33. It's about the long haul."
You won't spot Tambling in Melbourne nightclubs closely followed by minders.
He is articulate and disciplined.
As Tambling, who became a father 18 months ago says, "there's been a bit going on" since arriving in Melbourne.
Tambling's debut 2005 season was wrecked by toe and hamstring injuries, while he'll miss today's game against Port Adelaide with a dislocated AC-joint sustained in Sunday's thrashing by Geelong,
"I didn't come into the competition with an AFL body," said Tambling, who expected to be drafted by the Hawks after spending 2004 Grand Final week at recruiting manager Gary Buckenara's house.
Richmond football manager Greg Miller has signalled the club will be patient with Tambling.
"We're very pleased with Richard Tambling," Miller said.
In return for the club's "faith," Tambling has vowed to take drastic action to become the midfielder the Tigers crave.
"I am learning how hard it is to become a midfielder, how much you have to run," he said.
"I watch guys like West Coast's Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins and I have taken note. They run and run until they spew."
At the core of Tambling's inspiration is a love of all things Tigerland.
"The club has been great and told me they have faith in me. I just have to forget about all the hype," he said.
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