Tim Taranto took another significant step towards a third Jack Dyer Medal in just four seasons at Richmond with his excellent exhibition against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.

The 28-year-old star midfielder not only racked up plenty of disposals and contested possessions in customary style, he hit the scoreboard strongly as well.

Taranto finished the match with 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, three marks, an equal game-high and AFL career-high four goals, team-high seven inside-50s, three clearances, seven score involvements and 349 metres gained.

It was the 11th time in 72 games for the Tigers, since transferring from Greater Western Sydney, after the 2022 season, that Taranto has had 20-plus disposals and kicked multiple goals.

Richmond coach Adem Yze paid tribute to Taranto during his post-match press conference.

“We know that he can move forward, but he’s playing a role that is the reason why he’s the vice-captain of our footy club, and that’s the selfless role to give opportunity for our young midfielders,” Yze said.

“So, Sam Grlj gets the chance to come up and play on Nick Daicos and get a really clear understanding of what an A-grader is at AFL level. 

“For him to be able to drift forward and hit the scoreboard, as well as still having the impact that he did around the ground...it’s strong leadership by Tim. 

“It’s something that we want to keep trialling for the rest of the year...it gives opportunity for our younger lads through the midfield. 

“Taj Hotton gets more exposure through there today, Seth Campbell’s been doing so, and Sam Cumming ends up with almost 30 possessions for the first time in his career. 

“We need to give some exposure to that, so our leaders need to step out of the centre bounce. 

“A credit to him. It’s probably a little bit of footy karma. By playing that selfless role, he gets four goals on the end of it.”

The only other time Taranto has kicked four goals in an AFL match was Round 11, 2023, against Port Adelaide at the MCG. He scored an AFL career-high 19 goals that season, which was his first at Tigerland.

So far this season, Taranto has 10 goals in 13 games, and he’s averaging 23.7 disposals, 12.5 contested possessions, 3.1 marks, 5.8 clearances, 4.0 inside-50s, 4.5 tackles, 5.2 score involvements and 266.2 metres gained.