In the realm of AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach, few players have commanded attention quite like Tim Taranto. With his remarkable ability to accumulate points and influence games, Taranto has established himself as a key figure in fantasy football lineups. This article delves into the unique qualities that make Taranto a fantasy football powerhouse, exploring his journey through AFLFantasy, DreamTYeam and SuperCoach and why he’s a top pick for coaches aiming for victory.

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Tim Taranto’s journey in the AFL has been remarkable, especially from the perspective of AFLFantasy and SuperCoach. His move from the GWS Giants to Richmond marked a significant turning point in his career, where he not only thrived but also dominated the field, earning the prestigious Best and Fairest award at Richmond.

Regarding statistics, Taranto’s performance has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to impact the game in multiple facets is evident in his rankings: He ranked 9th in Total Stoppage Clearances, a key indicator of his ability to win the ball in contested situations.

His defensive prowess is highlighted by his ranking of 9th in Total Tackles. He also stood 10th in Total Clearances, showcasing his effectiveness in moving the ball out of contested situations.

Regarding disposals, he was ranked 10th, indicating his significant involvement in the game. His rank of 14th in Total Contested Possessions and Total Handballs demonstrates his capacity to win the ball under pressure and his role in the distribution of the ball. Ranking 16th in Total Centre Clearances further cements his importance in critical phases of the game.

From an AFLFantasy perspective, Taranto’s performance has been particularly noteworthy. He was ranked 8th by averages, surpassing prominent players like Tom Green, Andrew Brayshaw, Rory Laird, and Caleb Serong. 

In terms of total points, he was ranked 6th, trailing only behind players such as Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English, Rowan Marshall, Jordan Dawson, and Errol Gulden. Last year, he averaged 112.3, scored 17 tons, nine over 120 and an incredible run of 14 consecutive tons to start the season.

In SuperCoach, Taranto also made a significant impact: He was ranked 28th by average overall and 22nd among all midfielders. He achieved the 16th rank for total points, underscoring his consistent scoring ability. He averaged 106.6, 13 tons, and five over 120.

Whether value is embedded in selecting Tim Taranto for your AFLFantasy or SuperCoach team is nuanced. To properly assess Taranto’s value, one must consider how one interprets his scores and the context within which they were achieved. The one you assign the weighting to will ultimately decide whether you believe there is a significant scoring upside or not to select him.

Is the pre-bye scoring the real Taranto? Or is what he delivered after the bye a sign of things to come? Does Jacob Hopper impact the same under a new coaching regime? His scoring changed based on who was coaching and his game style.

When evaluating Taranto’s potential impact, it’s important not to dwell too deeply on his scoring days at GWS for two reasons. The first reason is obvious: he’s no longer with GWS, and his current role and environment at Richmond are significantly different. The second reason is more subtle but equally important.

At GWS, Taranto’s scores were often viewed as an indicator of what he could achieve if given a more prominent role. Now that he’s been in that role at Richmond and has excelled in it, those GWS scores are less relevant for future projections.

At Richmond, Taranto has not only been given the role he was long speculated to excel in, but he has also thrived in it, as evidenced by his impressive statistical rankings and Best and Fairest award. His performance has answered questions about his potential and set a new benchmark for what to expect from him. If you haven’t at least considered his scoring power for you, then you’re missing a trick this preseason.

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MY TAKE

The arrival of Adam Yze as the new coach of Richmond Tigers brings with it intriguing possibilities for the team’s playing style, particularly in the midfield. Given Yze’s background as an assistant coach at Melbourne, where he was notably responsible for strategy, there’s a strong likelihood that he might import some elements of Melbourne’s playing style to the Tigers.

At Melbourne, Yze was instrumental in developing a midfield strategy that was both dynamic and effective, contributing to the team’s recent success. This Melbourne midfield DNA is characterized by strong stoppage work, aggressive ball movement, and a heavy focus on contested possessions.

These elements were pivotal in the impressive performance of players like Clayton Oliver, who in the last three years has averaged 108, 112, and 133 in AFLFantasy and 123, 127, and 120 in SuperCoach.

The key question for Richmond and Tim Taranto, in particular, is whether Yze’s coaching will enable Taranto to emulate the kind of role Clayton Oliver played at Melbourne. With his proven ability in clearances, tackles, and contested possessions, Taranto seems well-suited to thrive in a midfield system similar to Melbourne’s.

Should Yze bring over this midfield DNA to Richmond, it could unlock even more potential in Taranto. His statistics already place him among the elite midfielders in the competition, and under Yze’s system, he might elevate his game further. The possibility of Taranto becoming the ‘Oliver’ in this new Tigers style is an exciting prospect.

This would involve Taranto taking on a more central role in the midfield, where his ability to win the ball and drive it forward could be maximized.

However, it’s important to note that while the coaching style and strategy can significantly influence a player’s role and performance, the actual impact will depend on how well the team adapts to the new system and how Taranto’s skills are utilized within that framework.

The potential reshaping of Richmond Tigers’ midfield under new coach Adam Yze presents several uncertainties and exciting prospects. One of the critical questions is Tim Taranto’s role. While Taranto is an undeniable inside bull and a key player, his high clanger rate might concern a coaching regime focusing on cleaner ball use.

However, it seems unlikely that he would move out of the midfield completely. Should that happen, though, his potential to gain MID/FWD DPP status in fantasy leagues could make him an even more attractive option.

The state of the Tigers’ midfield also hinges on whether Dustin Martin can rediscover his best form. Between 2017 and 2020, Martin was arguably the AFL’s most influential player. A return to this form would significantly impact the dynamics and effectiveness of the midfield.

Another factor is how Yze views players like Shai Bolton and Jack Graham. Bolton’s speed and class, combined with Graham’s defensive power and size, offer different dimensions to the midfield. Their roles under Yze’s system could shape the team’s overall strategy.

Dion Prestia’s contribution cannot be overlooked either. A well-rounded midfielder, his performance will be crucial, especially if he can steer clear of injuries. Jacob Hopper, another addition to the team, brings his expertise as an inside specialist and clearance beast, potentially adding more depth and strength to the midfield.

The development of the younger players, like Thomson Dow, is another aspect to watch. He, alongside other emerging talents, could play a more significant role, depending on how Yze balances experience with youth.

The Richmond Tigers’ start to the year offers a unique perspective for fantasy football enthusiasts, especially in assessing players like Tim Taranto. The Tigers face the Suns in the opening round, and while the points from this game don’t count towards fantasy leagues, it provides a critical opportunity to observe player roles before the round one lockout begins. This game could be a crucial indicator of how Taranto and others fit into the team’s strategy under Adam Yze.

Following this, the Tigers have a challenging lineup of matches against the Blues, Port, Swans, Saints, and Eagles. These games offer a mix of opponents and playing styles, testing the Tigers’ midfield and potentially impacting Taranto’s role and output.

Navigating the opening round of the AFL season presents a new experience for fantasy football this year. One significant aspect is managing the bye rounds between rounds 2-6. Notably, Richmond has its bye in round 6 alongside the Swans. This scheduling nuance adds an extra layer of strategy to fantasy football, as players from these teams will not score points in their bye round.

The question of whether to start premium players like Taranto in the opening squad is complex. While the common thought might lean towards ‘no’, considering the bye rounds, there are strategies to counter this. The accompanying podcast/video episode to this article, where Rids discusses the thought process behind potentially including such players from the start, offers valuable insights.

In summary, Tim Taranto should be on your fantasy football watchlist at the very least. As the season progresses, the clarity regarding his role under Yze, the Tigers’ performance, and how they adapt to the new strategies will answer many questions. Each piece of information that unfolds will assist fantasy coaches in deciding whether to elevate Taranto in their priority order or to consider other options. Keeping a close eye on the Tigers’ early games, especially their opening round against the Suns, will be key to making informed decisions for your fantasy team.

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DRAFT DECISION

When drafting Tim Taranto in AFLFantasy leagues, considering your strategy to prioritize a top-end ruck option and fade forwards, Taranto can be a solid choice as an M1 (first midfielder pick), potentially in the second round. His strong performance at Richmond, especially in terms of disposals, clearances, and contested possessions, makes him a valuable asset in AFLFantasy, where midfielders with high ball-winning capabilities are particularly crucial.

For SuperCoach leagues, Taranto fits more as an M3 (third midfielder pick) option. Given his ranking and performance in SuperCoach points, coupled with your strategy of emphasizing ruck and other positions, Taranto can provide good value in the midfield without needing to be your top or second pick. His all-around abilities and role in the Tigers’ midfield under coach Adam Yze suggest he could be a consistent scorer, making him a strategic pick for your SuperCoach midfield.

Remember, in both leagues, the key is balancing your team composition while ensuring you secure players who can deliver consistent, high scores each round. With Taranto, you get a player who has shown the capability to score well and could potentially improve further, making him a valuable addition to your midfield.

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