RICHMOND has promoted rookie Kane Lambert to its senior list, putting him in line to make his senior debut in the Tigers' round-one clash against Carlton.
The 23-year-old was elevated as the Tigers' nominated rookie, after impressing with his ball-winning ability through the NAB Challenge.
Lambert staked his claim by winning 15 disposals and laying eight tackles in the Tigers' first-up pre-season hit-out against the Western Bulldogs.
He then followed that up with 12 disposals and a goal against Port Adelaide, before rounding out the NAB Challenge with 10 touches and a goal against North Melbourne on Saturday.
"He's been really impressive," Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said.
"He's a mature-age prospect, so we always expected him to be a little bit further advanced than our first-year players.
"The way he's attacked his training, and the way he's fitted into the club, has been outstanding."
Richmond hopes Lambert can follow in the footsteps of ex-rookie Anthony Miles, who took all before him in his first season at Tigerland.
After coming into the senior side in round 11 last season, Miles finished the year averaging 24.4 disposals and 6.6 clearances per game.
As expected, Miles was elevated to the club's primary list at the end of last season and shapes as a crucial cog in the Tigers' engine room in 2015.
Lambert, who was recruited from Williamstown in the VFL with pick No.46 in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, said he always planned to put himself in a position to strive for senior games this year.
"I just want to improve every day. I always (knew), at the back of my mind, what I could achieve being a full-time footballer, and now I'm here I'm just trying to make the most of every opportunity," he said.
"This is a great opportunity for me to be able to show what I can do, and I’m really looking forward to it."
