Chris Lambert

Recruited from local club La Mascotte in the Essendon District League, Chris Lambert was a versatile and courageous utility who became a fixture of the Bombers' golden era under Dick Reynolds. His career began in 1939 but was significantly interrupted by World War II, during which he served with the RAAF in Darwin and missed the majority of three seasons. Upon his return, he established himself alongside his younger brother, Harold Lambert, with whom he played more than 50 games. While Harold often garnered more headlines as a Team of the Century defender, Chris carved out his own vital niche, earning selection for Victoria in 1949 and receiving Life Membership at Essendon.

Lambert was best known as a wingman and back pocket who compensated for a lack of blistering pace with sharp reflexes and quick ball disposal. He was noted for his fearlessness, often taking the shortest route to the contest regardless of the size of his opponents. A two-time premiership player, Lambert started on the bench during the 1946 Grand Final victory and held down a wing in the 1950 flag win. He narrowly missed out on a third premiership medallion in 1949, ruled out of the side with a hamstring injury just before the triumph. After leaving Windy Hill in 1951, he continued his football journey as captain-coach of Coburg in the VFA.