Actually Richard was the opposite. Started his career here like a house on fire, got suspended and Craigy pretty well banished him for being 'unsociable'. Won a BnF at the Double Blues but never really got much of a look in under Sando, or if he did he was much like Lyons and was either sub or got subbed.
Think we could have used him better and could've had a future. Ah well nevermind, he finished his AFL career with a lovely goal on the run.
As for the best #1, Pods for mine...... but it's not a great group.
"house on fire" is stretching it. I remember thinking he was an OK recruit to begin with.
My memory of Tambling's Adelaide career is as follows:
1) He starts off respectably.
~1.5) Somewhere in this stint he takes a mark, which is acknowledged by the umpire, and plays on. Said umpire changes his mind calling it a free kick against Adelaide and 50m against Tambling for kicking the ball away. A goal is conceded as a result
2) He has a terrible game against Carlton.
3) He returns to reasonable form, but is made a scapegoat after Collingwood kick 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of a game.
4) Disappears into the wilderness for 2 years
5) Plays a crucial role in a come from behind win against Geelong.
6) Kicks a goal
7) The end
You're right, the Geelong game was more like 2.65 seasons in.