Coach Adem Yze has praised the leadership qualities of Richmond midfielder and two-time Jack Dyer Medallist, Tim Taranto.

Taranto had one of his best seasons to date in 2025, polling 20 Brownlow votes and averaging career highs in disposals (26), tackles (five) and total clearances (five), but it is his ability to guide the young group of Tiger Cubs that has really impressed Yze.

“He is one of my favourites, he is such a consistent competitor and an amazing person,” Yze told SEN.  

“Watching him work with Josh Smillie and Sammy Lalor, our young boys are just soaking in everything he says and everything he does.

“We are really lucky to have him, and I think he can sense that the quicker we can fast-track the talent that we have got, the quicker that he will get back into finals footy and maybe taste some success, so credit to him.”

The 27-year-old played in 21 games this season, once again proving himself as a prolific ball winner.

Despite his successes on the field, Yze ensured that Taranto is still looking at ways to constantly evolve his game.

“He is just so driven to keep getting better. His standard of his own game is the best I've seen, and the amount of time and effort he puts into his game is as good as I’ve seen,” Yze said.

“There are things in his game that he knows he can improve, and that is scary to think.

“They are following him, and he is such a good leader for our footy club, so we are lucky to have him.”