Chris Lamb

For other people of the same name, see Christopher Lamb.
Chris Lamb
Personal information
Full name Chris Lamb
Nickname(s) Robocop, Lamby, Chop, Rakka
Date of birth 11 March 1981 (1981-03-11) (age 31)
Original team Wodonga Raiders / Murray Bushrangers
Draft 13th overall, 1998 National Draft
(Melbourne)
Height/Weight 192 cm / 98 kg
Position(s) Defender
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1999–2004 Melbourne 21 (1)
1 Playing statistics to end of 2003 season .

Chris Lamb (born 11 March 1981) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) and with the Sandringham Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Contents

Early life

Lamb was a talented junior sportsman.[1] As a footballer, he toured Ireland in 1998, as part of an Australian Institute of Sport team.[2] He also played for the Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens & Murray Football League[3][4] and for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup,[5] winning the Bushrangers' Under 16 Development Award in 1997.[6] Lamb also received All-Australian honours,[6] playing for the Victorian Country[7] team at the 1998 AFL National Under 18 Championships, in conjunction with being named in the "TAC Cup Team of the Year".[6] Along with his footballing abilities, Lamb was also a highly regarded basketball player, representing the Australian under-16[1] and under-18 teams.[8]

AFL career

Due to his successful junior career, many AFL clubs were interested in the 17-year-old[9] Lamb at the 1998 AFL Draft. Likened to Danny Frawley,[10] many experts were suggesting that he would be a top five draft selection,[11] but he slipped through to the 13th selection and was taken by Melbourne.[12] The Demons' recruiting manager at the time, Craig Cameron, claimed Lamb was "one of the top five players in the draft" and the Demons were excited to draft him.

It was hoped that Lamb would develop into a key player for the Demons[13] to replace the aging Jamie Shanahan and Anthony Ingerson.[14][15] After a "very good pre-season",[16] Lamb made his AFL debut in the first match of the 1999 season[17] and he had eight disposals. He was again selected the following week, but he only had two touches for the game and was comprehensively beaten by Barry Hall.[18] Lamb was dropped for round 3, despite it being noted that "he rarely had goals kicked on him". Lamb spent the rest of the season playing for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate, Sandringham. He also spent the whole of the 2000 season playing for the Zebras.[1] Sandringham made the VFL Grand Final, but Lamb was injured and he missed the match.[19] At the start of the 2001 season, Lamb broke into the team for his first AFL match in almost two years. He was, however, dropped the following week[20] and he only played two more for matches for the Demons in 2001.[1]

The 2002 season started poorly for Lamb, as he spent the first half of the season with Sandringham. His opportunity came in round 12.[21] One of Melbourne's key defensive players, Alastair Nicholson, had injured his knee the previous week[22] and Lamb was required to fill in for him.[13] Despite not having a possession, he was selected for the next game. Lamb began to play well,[23] becoming a key figure in the Demons' defence[24] and playing every game for the rest of the season. In round 15, he kicked his first, and only, AFL goal. In a match late on the 2002 home and away season, Lamb attempted a spoil and landed awkwardly on his neck.[13] He was motionless for several minutes and there were concerns that he may have broken his neck.[25] The incident was described as "sickening",[13] but Lamb only had a slight concussion and he played the following week.[26] He also played in both of Melbourne's finals in 2002,[13] was awarded the Demons' "Most Improved Player"[27] at the end of the year and was described as "the find Melbourne's 2002 season".[28] Lamb signed a new contract with Melbourne at the end of the season.[29]

Despite his form in 2002 and his continued good play for Sandringham, where he was regularly named best on ground, Lamb was unable to gain a consistent position in the seniors in 2003, regularly being overlooked.[30] He played one game in round 2 against Essendon, but was only on field for a quarter before being benched for the rest of the game after being beaten by Matthew Lloyd.[31] Midway through the season, after two best on ground performances for the Zebras, a rumour of a rift between Lamb and coach, Neale Daniher, began to grow. Daniher dismissed the rumour, saying that the reason Lamb was out of the side was because "he had to lose some weight, improve his endurance and mobility, and learn to play further afield".[13] After he was dropped, he lost four kilograms, improved as a player up the ground and was regularly one of Sandringham's best players. Although Daniher had said "[h]e'll be back",[13] Lamb only played two more games in 2003 and it appeared that he lost favour with the Melbourne coaching staff, as the Melbourne defence was lacking in height and strong bodies, which Lamb could have provided.[32] His last game was against Adelaide. Crows forward, Ian Perrie, kicked two goals on Lamb in the first quarter and he was benched for the rest of the game.[33] Lamb was dropped for the next match[34] and he never made his way back into Melbourne's senior team and was labelled "exiled".[35]

Lamb was retained on the Demons list for 2004, but he failed to play a senior game for the season,[13] instead playing with Sandringham for the whole season.[1] Although a disappointing year for Lamb, in terms of senior appearances, he did win a VFL premiership with Sandrinham, taking a saving mark in the dying seconds, to help the Zebras hold on to victory.[19][36] Melbourne delisted Lamb at the end of the season.[13][37]

VFL career

After being delisted by Melbourne, Lamb spent 2005 travelling.[36] When he returned to Melbourne in 2006, Lamb signed with Sandringham in the VFL,[38] saying the Zebras were the "only [c]lub [he] would play for".[39] Sandringham had also won the VFL premiership in 2005 and they were looking to win a hat-trick of premierships.[39] In his first season back, Lamb played at full back all season and was a key member of Sandringham's premiership winning team. Lamb played his 100th game in the first round of 2007.[40] At the end of the season, he won the "Coaches Award"[41] and was named as full back in the VFL Team of the Year.[42] Lamb played on for one more season and retired at the end of 2008. He finished his career with Sandringham having played 137 games.

Personal life

Lamb's brother, Andrew was also drafted by an AFL team. He was taken with the 36th selection in the 1995 Draft by St Kilda,[43] but was delisted at the end of the 1998 season,[44] having never played an AFL match.

Lamb was the best man at his team-mate, Troy Broadbridge's, wedding. Broadbridge died only days later while on his honeymoon, as a result of the Boxing Day Tsunami.[45]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers: every AFL/VFL player since 1897 (7th ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Bas Publishing. p. 444. ISBN 978-1-920910-78-5.
  2. ^ Marino, Melissa (2 April 1999). "International rules series kicks off". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990402_0396_7854. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  3. ^ Daffey, Paul (7 September 2003). "Cross-town rivals add to September spice". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=SAG030907P2B1O1V9NRU. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  4. ^ "CLUB HISTORY". Wodonga Raiders. http://www.wodongaraiders.com/HISTORY.html. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  5. ^ Reilly, Stephen (22 March 1999). "Melbourne". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990322_0442_2883. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  6. ^ a b c "Murray Bushrangers Football Club Honour Roll". SportingPulse. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:-KLp4-_P2UQJ:www.sportingpulse.com/get_file.cgi%3Fid%3D630406+hayden+lamaro&hl=en&gl=au&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj6GQcbX_GD4mdsisppHlBcWa2AMJ0Sz2XTfud8Wq8r45FzseeK3g6mTqgXD0EJfCTLs3nFAPRnOjD8hTBaSuXKnAd_KPTkM0536ZeEp-L30QZ67ME_GISvDtkY65ECYKfpX8fe&sig=AHIEtbTCnAZMBpDsbfGPjk8nvjXsw_mqbw. Retrieved 9 January 2011. 
  7. ^ Saltau, Chloe (25 June 1998). "Talent hounds on his trail". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news980625_0279_6574. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  8. ^ Niall, Jake (6 December 1998). "The age of consent". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news981207_0070_2985. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  9. ^ Niall, Jake (7 April 1999). "Clubs push to allow 17-year-olds to be drafted". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990407_0281_8782. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  10. ^ Niall, Jake (1 November 1998). "The top prospects". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news981102_0078_7427. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  11. ^ Niall, Jake (1 November 1998). "Your club's likely first choice". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=BC2FC9ED81F592E797E6DFA5C50BE519?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news981102_0079_8701. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  12. ^ Burgan, Matt (15 November 2010). "Every Melbourne NAB AFL Draft pick: 1986–2009". Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/tabid/7415/default.aspx?newsid=105218. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i Lines, Chris; Lyon, Karen (13 October 2004). "Injuries force Vardy to quit". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE041013EQ6H86CO1FU. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  14. ^ Reilly, Stephen; Ryan, Melissa (17 February 2000). "Demons put faith in Nicholson to fill post". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news000217_0365_5229. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  15. ^ "Your club". The Age. 25 February 1999. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990225_0290_5686. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  16. ^ Niall, Jake (24 March 1999). "Dees look to rookies for opener". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990324_0239_2613. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  17. ^ Johnson, Len; Niall, Jake (27 March 1999). "Roos jump Cats, leap to an early lead". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990327_0283_4595. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  18. ^ Marino, Melissa (5 April 1999). "Hall, Mitchell fire up Saints". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news990405_0302_3497. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  19. ^ a b Oldham, Gordon (20 September 2004). "Zebra flag as Port's best shot falls just short". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE040920FO3FJ7B1RC8. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  20. ^ Lyon, Karen (6 April 2001). "Magpies dump Rocca". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE010406JUI910NMC0A. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  21. ^ Blake, Martin (20 June 2002). "Demons look to Lamb to plug hole". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE020620CQ68961JOM7. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  22. ^ Lyon, Karen (30 May 2003). "Bombers' trio lead stars' return". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/29/1054177672147.html. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  23. ^ Reilly, Stephen (1 August 2002). "Wait far from over for unfortunate Nicholson". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE0208019SV2V052B1E. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  24. ^ Reilly, Stephen (6 August 2002). "Daniher puts bad demons behind him". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=BC2FC9ED81F592E797E6DFA5C50BE519?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE020806FL55I1EK0ME. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  25. ^ Ahmed, Nabila; Saltau, Chloe (20 August 2002). "Demon Ellis sidelined for a year". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE020820F8SI75DN6KU. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  26. ^ Hinds, Richard (25 August 2002). "Big Good Bazza's seven of the best". The Sun-Herald. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=SHD020825JJ3JS3V4AHE. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  27. ^ Saltau, Chloe; Ker, Peter; Shiell, Alan (5 October 2002). "Licuria named as Pies' best". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE021005GC78B1GC0QE. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  28. ^ Reilly, Stephen (21 May 2003). "Defender no sacrificial Lamb: Daniher". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/20/1053196583936.html. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  29. ^ Ryan, Melissa (16 September 2002). "Melbourne looks to re-sign stars". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=AGE020916KODVV1GA257. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
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  32. ^ Pearce, Linda (29 May 2003). "Daniher coy on Demon line-up". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/28/1053801445664.html. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
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  38. ^ Booth, Ross (9 April 2006). "Seagulls thwart wayward Hawks". The Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=chris+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=SAG060409IQ6J04EGSQI. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
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  42. ^ "AFL Victoria Annual Review 2007". AFL Victoria. p. 18. http://www.aflvic.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/AFLV_Web_2010/7._Media/Annual_Reports/2007_Annual_Report_v2.pdf. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
  43. ^ "The Full Draft List". The Age. 9 December 1995. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=andrew+lamb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=0&clsPage=1&docID=news951209_0233_0496. Retrieved 6 January 2011. 
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