Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto has cheekily hit back at criticism over his move to Punt Road, while the Tigers recruit has admitted an extra level of attention has come as no surprise.
Taranto’s name was in the spotlight after Richmond’s four-goal loss to the Gold Coast Suns in Round 7, with the former Giant’s impact on results and overall value brought into question as the Tigers slid further down the ladder.
Richmond handed GWS two top 20 picks for Taranto’s services at the end of last season, deal questioned by Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes, who went on to suggest the 25-year-old wouldn’t sit among the top 150 players of the competition.
The ace midfielder was again a standout for Richmond in their win over Geelong on Friday, with Taranto offering the perfect response on how he views his own form when quizzed by 3AW on Friday night.
“Oh hopefully, maybe 149, we’ll see,” Taranto said. “… I’m pretty happy with how I’m playing.
“I’m playing my role each week for the team and giving it a red-hot crack. I’m loving it. I’m loving my time at the Tigers.”
After making the move from New South Wales to Victoria, Taranto has become accustomed to the new levels of attention from the media.
The former Sandringham Dragon said his focus has been placed on bettering his game each week, offering little time for outside noise.
“I knew it was a part of it,” Taranto said of the increased attention. “I knew it might come at different stages.
“I’ve just been trying to keep my head down and getting to work.
“I’ve had great support from all the boys getting around me, ‘Dimma’s backing me up, so I’m trying not to take too much notice of it.”
Taranto recorded a game-high 12 tackles against the Cats to help steer the Tigers to their second win of the season, with the inside midfielder also collecting 28 possessions – another match-high- in the 24-point win.
The bullish onballer highlighted differences in the Tigers’ game style to those of the Giants, with Taranto believing Richmond’s more manic tactics may suit his game better.
“The style of play is a bit different, it’s a bit more fast-paced,” he said.
“Probably less uncontested marks and chipping the ball around compared to GWS. It;s a bit more of just going to the contest and just getting the ball forward at all costs.
“It is probably a bit different but it probably suits my game style, so that was pleasing.”
Richmond will face Essendon at the MCG next Saturday as they look to claim two wins on the trot.