RICHMOND has locked away hard-running forward Kane Lambert until the end of 2022, with the premiership star re-signing alongside younger teammates Ryan Garthwaite and Callum Coleman-Jones.
Lambert was due to come out of contract at the end of 2019, but a new three-year deal is just reward for the 27-year-old who has come on in leaps and bounds in recent seasons.
Garthwaite has signed on until 2020, while Coleman-Jones, who is yet to make his debut for Richmond, has recommitted until the end of 2021.
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Lambert has been an exceptional performer for the Tigers since joining the club as pick No.46 in the 2015 rookie draft.
His gut-running and ability to apply unrelenting pressure to the opposition have become staples in the Tigers' side, with Lambert emphasising his importance to finish runner-up in Richmond's 2018 best and fairest award.
Lambert averaged 22.5 disposals this season and kicked 15 goals from 22 games.
Tigers list manager Blair Hartley said Lambert had become a crucial member of the side.
"We're always so impressed by Kane, whether it's his commitment and determination as a player, or his impressive character as a person," Hartley told the club's website.
"He gives us everything each day – we've loved watching him develop, continue to take his football to another level, and make others around him better."
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Garthwaite, 20, managed two matches across 2018 and is progressing nicely as a key defender as the Tigers look for long-term replacements for Alex Rance and David Astbury.
"Ryan's a talented player and while we believe he has a long future with us, he's already shown us he's capable at AFL level," Hartley said.
"Ryan works incredibly hard and takes every opportunity to learn off his teammates, and we're really excited to see him progress to play regular AFL games."
Coleman-Jones was selected with pick No.20 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft and kicked 14 goals in 16 VFL games.
The South Australian product is rated highly internally and he is likely to get a chance to play senior football in the coming years as a key forward or even in the ruck.
"Callum had a great first season with us, we really like his versatility, and look forward to him continuing to develop his game next season and beyond," Hartley said.
