Richmond star Tim Taranto has taken a cheeky swipe back at Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes after playing a starring role in a stirring win over Geelong.
Taranto silenced his critics by finishing with 28 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances as Richmond stunned the in-form Cats to run out 16. 6. (102) to 11. 12. (78) winners at the MCG.
Cornes has been vocal about his disdain for Richmond’s decision to offload draft picks to acquire Taranto over the summer, claiming that the Tigers midfielder “wouldn’t be in the top 150 players in the game right now”.
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When asked by 3AW’s Anthony Hudson whether he thought he’d improved his standing after starring against the Cats, Taranto offered the perfect response.
“Oh hopefully, maybe 149,” the Tigers midfielder 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 and I’m loving it. I’m loving my time at the Tigers.”
The 25-year-old admitted that he’d expected a little bit of backlash after deciding to leave the Giants for the Tigers.
”I knew it was a part of it. I knew it might come at different stages,” he said.
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“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 was far from the only Tiger to star against Geelong, with Dustin Martin turning in a vintage performance of his own, booting four goals to go along with 19 disposals.
The win lifts Richmond up into 11th position on the ladder, resuscitating its finals hopes after a dismal start to the season. Damien Hardwick’s side will hope to continue the positive momentum when it faces Essendon next weekend in the annual ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ clash.
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