Gun recruit adds another string to Tigers’ bow
GUN recruit Tim Taranto’s ability to hit the scoreboard adds another dimension to a Richmond forward line that will be Dustin Martin’s this season.
The Tigers unveiled their two big recruits from GWS, Taranto and Jacob Hopper, during an entertaining practice match hitout against North Melbourne.
Taranto was dominant through the midfield and kicked two goals in a performance that had the Tigers coaching staff smiling.
“I thought the way they both played today, Tim particularly was able to get forward and hit the scoreboard,” Richmond assistant coach David Teague said.
“We targeted him (Taranto) for a reason, the way he has fitted in with our style of getting from contest to contest, we know he is an elite runner and physically strong as well.”
Martin played almost exclusively in the forward line, kicking two goals in the third quarter to show all the whispers about his stunning summer were on the money.
“He (Dusty) had a really good pre-season, he’s been training hard and looked really good in lots of our intra-club games,” Teague said.
Former captain Trent Cotchin also embraced his new role forward, kicking a goal early in the game.
Centre half-forward Tom Lynch and star goalsneak Shai Bolton didn’t feature in the practice hitout.
For North Melbourne, the story of the day was No.3 draft pick Harry Sheezel, who kicked two goals in the first quarter and another in the final term to put his name forward for a Round 1 debut.
The Roos were impressive in coach Alistair Clarkson‘s first hitout only going down by two points – 11.9 (75) to 10.13.(73) – in blustery conditions at Arden St.