NT Thunder Premiership player and 2015 Club Champion Richard Tambling has retired from NEAFL football effective immediately.

The 32-year-old has managed only one game in the 2019 season battling to overcome a chronic knee injury.

A member of the NT Thunder Team of the Decade, Tambling has racked up 59 games since making his debut in Round 2 of 2015 against Southport.

A former AFL player with Richmond and Adelaide, he played 124 games at the highest level before returning home to the Northern Territory to give back to Territory football.

“I have been working hard to get my body right but my knee isn’t getting any better,” Tambling said.

“The blokes know what the Club means to me and unfortunately I won’t be able to run out as a Thunder player with them one last time however I will still be around to help out where I can.

“I leave Thunder with great memories and I encourage the players to cherish their time there and give it their best every game,” Tambling said.

NT Thunder Coach, Darren Reeves said Tambling has made an outstanding contribution to the NT Thunder program.

“Richie is loved and respected by all involved and just an unbelievably humble person who always wants to help others be better.

“We wish him nothing but the best and look forward to working with him in other areas moving forward,” Reeves said.

Career highlights

Debut: Round 2 2015 vs. Southport
NT Thunder games: 59
NT Thunder goals: 9
Premiership player: 2015
NT Thunder Team of the Decade inductee
NT Thunder Club Champion: 2015
NEAFL Team of the Year: 2015