Richmond have put themselves back in the “premiership window” by luring Giant Tim Taranto to the club, with the midfielder even named a potential future skipper.
The Tigers gave up picks 12 and 19 for Taranto on Monday, after he played 114 games in six seasons at GWS arriving as pick 2 in 2016.
And it’s his arrival that is set to free up Tigers stars Shai Bolton and Dustin Martin, with Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph even claiming Taranto’s influence could allow Martin to win another Brownlow Medal.
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“We know what he’s not – he’s not a great kick. Not an elite kick,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Trading Day.
“(But) he could be a future captain and he will run all day. He will allow the defensive midfield component that will allow Dusty Martin and Shai Bolton to just go hunting for the football.
“He might not win the best and fairest next year, but he might allow Shai Bolton or Dusty to win another Brownlow.
“He just compliments everything they want to do in the next five or six years.”
Dermott Brereton agreed Taranto wasn’t the most elite kick, but said he was a necessary recruitment as the Tigers battle an ageing midfield.
“It makes sense for the Tigers – the team they want to roll through the midfield. They’ve got your wingers – McIntosh (28) and Pickett (30). Prestia’s 29 with a banged up body on occasion, Dusty’s 31, Cotchin 32. They’ve only got Shai Bolton and Jack Graham at 24 and 25 (next season) so they need this age bracket of Taranto at 24,” he said.
“They are desperate to fill that age bracket in that area.
“He’s your Dion Prestia – a bigger body, not quite as good a kick. But he’s going to be filling that role in seasons to come.”
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Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna described Taranto as a “great get” for Richmond, given he was ranked elite in pressure, contested ball and disposals in 2022.
“It’s probably slightly overs but think it’s fair,” Montagna said.
“(He’s an) All-Australian calibre player at his best.
“I think (Taranto’s arrival) allows Dustin to almost become a permanent forward as he gets older.
“He can almost play inside 50, Shai Bolton now plays that role that’s mixed-forward. I think absolutely they’re in a premiership window again.”
