THIS TIME last year Anthony Miles was in a similar position to Richmond rookie Kane Lambert – he was desperate for a senior opportunity and prepared to do everything he could to make it happen.
Now Miles, an established first-choice midfielder under Damien Hardwick, thinks Lambert can follow his own lead and lock down a position in Richmond's side in 2015.
WATCH: Young Tigers fall to Bulldogs
Lambert, drafted at pick No.46 in last year's rookie draft, made a considerable impact in his Tigers debut in the club's first NAB Challenge hit-out against the Western Bulldogs at the Whitten Oval on Saturday.
The 22-year-old had 15 touches, eight of which came in the first quarter, and demonstrated the kind of ball-winning ability he was renowned for during stints at VFL clubs the Northern Blues and Williamstown.
"I truly believe that he can play at AFL level and have an impact," Miles said of Lambert at the club's Family Day at Punt Road Oval on Sunday afternoon.
"There's one spot on our rookie list and Kane certainly put his best foot forward yesterday."
Miles said it was common sense for club recruiters to take an interest in the state leagues, considering the players available to pick from have a good knowledge of the game and the type of build to cope with the demands of AFL football.
"There's not too many draft picks that have to come in and have an impact straight away," Miles said.
"They can spend a couple of years in the gym. Whereas with mature bodies you can get in the VFL – and Kane's a perfect example – they're ready to go and have an impact straight away
"He's been a star in the VFL the last three years and I'd love to see more of those guys get a crack."
Thousands of Richmond fans turned out for the club's family day on Sunday and Miles said it was exciting to see the level of support amongst the Tiger faithful.
"It's been fantastic. We know we've got a great following but it's a surprise every year," Miles aid.
"You rock up here at 10.30 and you see the line nearly back to the MCG."
Coach Damien Hardwick told fans the Tigers would continue to go places this season.
"We’re a finals bound footy club," Hardwick said.
"We've got to make sure we continue to improve in a lot of areas and we've got to continue to strive to get the ultimate improvement going forward."
The Tigers also at their Family Day that they had reached 63,000 members.
