Richmond star Tim Taranto has been lauded for his class after playing a starring role against his old side in a thriller.
The Tigers came out of the gates on fire, leading by four goals at the first chance, but required a last-minute Marlion Pickett goal to run out 16. 14. (110) to 15. 14. (104) winners against the GWS Giants at GIANTS Stadium.
Taranto was once again among Richmond’s best, tallying 36 disposals and a goal against the side that picked him No.2 overall in the 2016 draft, and was understated in his celebrations after the siren out of respect for his old team.
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“Weird game, but it was a good game to watch, I reckon. Fans would’ve loved it,” Taranto told Fox Footy.
“Each quarter was different I reckon. They played their way in the second, we got back in the third and it was probably them in the fourth … Just happy we won.”
Taranto’s coach Andrew McQualter echoed his star man’s sentiment about the “weird” call.
”I spoke to Tim about it pre-game today that it’s a bit weird to play against your former club to begin with,” he said.
“He gives 100 per cent every week for the team, and we got that again from him today.
“It’s just a bit weird, particularly when you know all those guys. It’ll take a few times for him to be settled against them, but I was just rapt that he was able to perform and get the win.”
In the end it was Pickett who sealed the match with under 30 seconds remaining following a rollercoaster final term which saw both teams exchange the lead on multiple occasions.
”Marlion didn’t have a great day, he’d be the first to admit that,” McQualter said.
“There were things that didn’t go his way. He played a bit of a unique position for him, but speaking about moments, Marlion had a big moment and he owned his moment and was able to finish it for us.
“Even though Marlion didn’t have a great day, he still provides an amazing contest, pressure and speed for us.”
Richmond will travel to WA next week to take on an in-form Fremantle side, while the Giants will face the Kangaroos in Tasmania.
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