Tim Taranto had a fantastic finish to what was a superb season for him.

The star Richmond midfielder produced arguably his best performance of 2026 in the final home-and-way match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, with one particularly noteworthy individual statistic.

He racked up 24 contested possessions, which is the most ever by a Richmond player since that key statistical metric was introduced for AFL football in 1999.

The previous contested possessions record at Tigerland was 23 by Dion Prestia against Port Adelaide in Round 11, 2022 at Adelaide Oval, and also Shane Tuck v Carlton, Round 21, 2012, MCG.

Taranto, overall, in Saturday night’s clash with the Cats, had a team-high and season-high 36 disposals, with those 24 contested possessions, which also were a game-high, three marks, one goal, a game-high 10 clearances, including a game-high/season-high six centre clearances, four stoppage clearances, four inside-50s, a team-high nine score involvements, equal game-high seven tackles and 299 metres gained.

For the entire season, Taranto averaged 24.8 disposals, 12.6 contested possessions, 3.0 marks, 6.4 clearances, 2.9 centre clearances, 3.5 stoppage clearances, 4.1 inside-50s, 5.5 score involvements, 302.7 metres gained, and he kicked 15 goals.

He surely will be rewarded for his excellent efforts throughout 2026 with a third Jack Dyer Medal in just four seasons at Punt Road, after previously winning a Best and Fairest during his playing career for Greater Western Sydney.