Career
Richard is an Indigenous Australian and his ancestry can be traced to the Woolna, a Northern Territory tribe. Richmond Tigers
In the 2004 American Federation of Labor-Congress Draft Tambling was a first round selection, the number four pick overall, and drafted to the Richmond Football Club. Richmond had the opportunity to recruit Lance Franklin, some say this was bad judgement made by the Richmond recruitment personnel.
In comparison to Franklin, Tambling"s tenure at Richmond has been enigmatic.
He had long been considered a dominant player up in the Northern Territory with his explosive speed and ability to read the play. He only confirmed that status throughout the 2004 pre-season.
Terry Wallace was particularly impressed, saying he and Deledio were the "best young kids in the country". = 2005 and 2006 He played in 12 games in the 2005 American Federation of Labor-Congress season and a further 21 in the 2006 American Federation of Labor-Congress season.
In the latter stages of 2005, Tambling struggled with injury, including a broken toe and a consistent hamstring problem.
= 2007 The speedy youngster came under scrutiny in previous seasons, but showed what he can do when he booted four first-quarter goals against West Coast in round five. = 2008 Tambling has further developed his game in season 2008 and has spent more time in the midfield. = 2009-2010 The constant criticism of the underperforming midfielder reached new heights in the round 3 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers.
Tambling"s game was viewed by many experts as one of the worst performances of faltering career due to the amount of costly turnovers from his small total of 12 possessions.
He received a bronx cheer from the Richmond fans after getting his first kick which also happened to be a turnover. Coach Terry Wallace later explained that Tambling had become a father in the two days earlier, which had affected his sleep before the match.
Tambling was dropped from the Richmond team for the following match against the Demons. After a week at Coburg, he returned to the American Federation of Labor-Congress in arguably the best form of his career.
Very influential against Sydney, Fremantle, and the West Coast Eagles, he was finally showing the ability that was expected of him with his high draft pick.
Adelaide Crows
On 6 October 2010 he was traded to the Adelaide Crows for two draft selections, a first round and third round pick. On the 30th October, 2013 after only 16 games, he was delisted. After playing for Sturt in the SANFL, he now plays for the Northwest Territories Thunder in the 2015 NEAFL competition.
