Lambert, who taken by the Tigers in the 2014 rookie draft as a 23-year-old, said it was never too late to come under notice from talent scouts.

Wodonga Raiders’ Sam Murray was selected as a rookie by Sydney after a stellar season in the O and M while the Rouse twins, Zachary and Jordan, have joined Birallee Park after attracting the attention of Swans recruiters.

Lambert was overlooked by AFL clubs as an 18-year-old and a decision to take 12 months off football to train his body to be a senior player paid off for the former Northern Knight.

After four seasons in the VFL with the Northern Bullants and Williamstown, Lambert is now an AFL player with 13 games to his name.

“I think the biggest thing for me was always trying to get the best out of myself, whatever league that was,” he said.

“Playing good footy is a byproduct of enjoying it.

“No matter where you’re playing, you have to enjoy your footy and that was the biggest focus I had in the VFL competition.

“Leave no stone unturned and enjoy your footy.”

Lambert, speaking at Birallee Park during the Tigers’ two-day community camp on the Border, said he was loving life at the top level.

“It’s where I’ve wanted to be for a long time,” he said.

“Obviously you have bigger crowds and expectations but the pace of the game is a lot quicker, you have less time with the footy and you have to make quick decisions.

“You go from a normal working life and just training in the afternoons with footy as an outlet whereas now you get drafted and footy becomes your full-time job.”

Lambert enjoyed a light session with his teammates in front of about 100 Tiger fans and school children at Birallee Park on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Mark Williams, the Tigers did short kicking and a full-ground drill before finishing the 50-minute session with some shots at goal.

Brett Deledio and Chris Yarran ran laps while their teammates trained but the former Blue left the track early as he recovers from a calf complaint.

Lambert is looking forward to the first pre-season hitout against Fremantle on February 19 ahead of the AFL season opener against Carlton on March 24.

“We want to go out there and compete,” he said.

Lambert, a good friend of North Albury and Howlong export Anthony Miles, said he had enjoyed his time on the Border.

“I think as AFL footballers we are privileged to be in a position to get involved in these community engagement activities,” he said.