Richmond midfielder Kane Lambert has reflected on the significant gains he made throughout his first year in the AFL system.
Lambert, taken by the Tigers with their third pick (No. 46 overall) in the AFL’s rookie draft late last year, thrived after being promoted to the Club’s senior playing list and then suffering an initial setback due to a severe shoulder injury.
He ended up playing 13 games all-up in his debut season of league football and was a valuable contributor for the team, averaging 15.6 disposals per match and kicking eight goals.
“Twelve months ago, it was my first day (with the Club) and it was a whirlwind. One day I was getting ready just to go to work, and the next day I’m in Townsville on a training camp with a new job,” Lambert told ‘Roar Vision’ on Richmond’s current pre-season camp in Palm Cove.
“But, 12 months down the track, I’m a lot more relaxed and I know what to expect.
“Being in the system the last 12 months it’s held me in good stead, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead . . .
“I am a little bit proud (of what he’s achieved already), but the work’s ahead of me . . . I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, more than what’s happened,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can build on that. Like the rest of the squad, we all aim to get better, and that’s what I’m looking at.”
“I just want to get better every day and, whatever happens, happens.”
Lambert has now been joined at Tigerland by his long-time best mate Adam Marcon, who has followed a similar path into AFL ranks, being picked up by Richmond recently as a rookie-list player.
“I’m really proud of Adam and what he’s been able to achieve,” Lambert said.
“He’s worked hard for his opportunity, but he’s under no illusion that it’s going to be easy.
“He’s here to work hard and, hopefully, he can do well himself.”
Lambert is pleased with the Tigers’ preparations for season 2016.
“It’s been a good pre-season so far . . . the boys are training well,” he said.
“We’re all putting our best foot forward and we’re looking forward to the rest of this camp . . .
“We just want to improve every day, get through this camp, then we go into Christmas, and come back in good shape after that.”
