Tambling was traded to the Crows in October, following six indifferent seasons at Richmond.
The 24-year-old had a slow start to his first pre-season at West Lakes, as he recovered from post-season surgery and wasn't considered among the club's best 22 players when coach Neil Craig was quizzed about the ex-Tiger's form on the eve of the NAB Cup.
Tambling said he took Craig's comments as an indication he needed to work even harder on the track.
"I realised that I had a lot of catching up to do after missing the start of the pre-season. I knew that and there were boys that deserved to be in the team that had done a lot more work than me," Tambling said.
"At the time, I took the approach that I had to work harder and really knock the door down and make the coaches pick me. I didn’t get down on myself and just kept working hard.
"With the help of the coaches and the players here, it's come together a little bit."
Tambling's form improved over the course of the NAB Challenge, culminating in an impressive performance against his old side in the final round of the competition.
The dashing utility was selected to play against the Hawks in round one, with the opportunity to cement his spot on a half-back flank this season.
Like most of his teammates, he was rusty at the start but worked into the contest and finished with 19 disposals and nine marks.
"I have a few things to tidy up, but it's a great backline. We've got some good leaders in every line and with their help, hopefully, I can adapt to the game style a bit more," Tambling said.
"Just getting a fresh start at a new club puts a bit of excitement back into your footy. The boys are great and they've made me feel welcome.
"It's only round one, but they are starting to get the best footy out of me."
Tambling didn't settle in a position at Punt Road, but a permanent move to defence has enabled him to showcase a number of his attributes, including his ability to win the contested ball.
"I've always tried to be a contested footy player, but the positions that I used to play never really allowed me to get into the contested area," he said.
"I find that with the structures here at Adelaide, it's more about one-on-one contested footy. It gives me that opportunity and when it's your turn to go, you've got to go."
Tambling was weighed down by expectation at Richmond, enduring constant comparisons to Hawthorn star Lance Franklin, after being selected ahead of the Coleman medallist with pick No.4 in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.
The Crows have made a point of trying to remove that expectation, but the 109-game player said he still had expectations of his own.
"It's good the club has done that. I've got a role to play within the team and I know what's what I have to do, but you still put expectations on yourself," he said.
"I'm still trying to work as hard as some of the guys here. Their work ethic and desire to win the hard footy is amazing and I'm just trying to adapt to that."
"Hopefully, I can play my best footy here at the Adelaide Football Club."
