Round Three

Again the Rising Star throws up an unlikely nominee: Richard Tambling. For those who are unaware of Tambling’s story it goes rather like this. He grew up in the Northern Territory and saw a way out through his football. The recruiters were abuzz throughout 2004 of this skinny indigenous kid who ran like lightning and could make goals out of thin air. He was widely tipped to be top 5, if not no 1 overall, in the National Draft. OnceRichmond selected Brett Deledio at no 1, everyone believed Hawthorn would take Tambling. The Hawks surprised everyone by taking Jarryd Roughhead at #2 and this meant Tambling was still available at #4 when the Tigers pounced. Tambling was unfortunately hampered by injury in his first season, developed, albeit slowly in his 2ndand 3rd and had to stand by and watch helplessly as the player selected by Hawthorn at #5 Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin exploded to become acknowledged as the best player from the 2004 draft.

It is unfair to compare the 2, but it doesn’t prevent anyone from doing so. Tambling is a rover sized midfielder and goal sneak, Franklin is a key position player who was lucky enough to be drafted into a side with a decent midfield. Richmond supporters are impatient for good reason and desperate to have a champion to call our own. We’ve got Richo, but let’s face it he’s 33 years old and has always been seriously flawed.

At the start of the season Tambling announced an intention to play in the middle of the ground. Slowly, but surely over the first few rounds he has staked his claim. He’s bigger than before and more willing to throw his body in and try to emerge with the ball. The effort against Collingwood was a four quarter one and the running goal gave us supporters hope for the future and that our faith and patience may be rewarded. I’d love for Richard to have a belter of a season and make everyone say: Lance Who?

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