As we approach the midway mark of the season, Tim Taranto’s prospects for a second Jack Dyer Medal, in just three years at Richmond, are firming by the week.
Taranto, who won the Best and Fairest in his 2023 debut season with the Tigers, after transferring from Greater Western Sydney, has been an impressively consistent performer across the nine rounds so far.
The star midfielder is averaging 25.8 disposals, 12.2 contested possessions, 5.6 clearances, 3.0 inside 50s, 4.3 score involvements, 5.6 tackles and 280.7 metres gained per match.
Tellingly, Taranto has played a major role in all three of Richmond’s wins so far this year.
He had 30 disposals in the Round 1 victory over Carlton, racked up 35 disposals in the Round 6 win v Gold Coast and then, in the thrilling Round 9 success against West Coast, finished with 27 disposals, plus a game-high 16 contested possessions, three marks, one goal, four inside-50s, an equal game-high seven clearances, four score involvements, four tackles and 228 metres gained.
Richmond coach Adem Yze acclaimed Taranto’s efforts in his media conference following the team’s nail-biting, two-point victory over the Eagles.
“Tim toils away again. He’s in great form. Our boys are working hard in there (the midfield) around him,” Yze said.