Spot in grand final means the world to Tambling
VETERAN Southern Districts midfielder Richard Tambling is 31 and made his senior debut for the Crocodiles at just 14.
This is why making a grand final for his junior club meant so much to him after the final siren sounded, following Districts’ 34-point win over Nightcliff in the NTFL preliminary final at TIO Stadium last night.
“Jared Brennan and I haven’t played in a grand final for Districts since we were 14. So to finally get one, we’re ecstatic,” Tambling said. “In the years we left the club (both playing AFL), Districts won a premiership (in 2007).
“I’ve been back the past three years. I played seven games before the finals this season and I couldn’t wish to play with a better bunch of blokes.”
Tambling has been outstanding for the Crocs this finals series, his experience playing a key role in helping his teammates deal with finals pressure.
“The body feels good – the best it has in three years,” he said. “We’ve got a good mix but the improvement has come from the young guys.
“Zac and Sam Smith in the backline, Michael Bowden and Lionel Ogden.
“Those guys were sensational – they ran and carried the ball.”
Tambling is experienced enough to know when a good performance is coming, and he sensed Districts were primed for a big one early in the week.
“It was a bit of a heartbreaker last week (losing by 20 points to Buffaloes in the second semi-final),” he said.
“But we knew if we stuck to the processes, which got us in this position in the first place, that we’d come out on top.
“The boys had a fantastic week on the track, and they knew the one-percenters we’ve worked on would keep us in the game. We know if you win the tackles you win the big games.”
Tigers star Cameron Ilett lamented his team’s missed opportunities, particularly in the first half.
“We started alright and had a couple of missed opportunities in the second quarter, myself included,” he said.
“They got on top through the midfield and forward-50 entries and capitalised on their opportunities a lot better.”