Tim Taranto says finishing in the top four won’t make-or-break the Giants’ premiership hopes

The Western Bulldogs did it in 2016 and if the situation calls for it, the Giants will back themselves to do the same thing. That’s why finishing in the top four isn’t make or break for this group’s premiership hopes.

Tim Taranto says the Giants aren’t worried about the top four. Picture: Sarah Reed

GWS star Tim Taranto says finishing in the top two or four won’t be make-or-break in the race for this year’s premiership flag.

The Giants are precariously placed in fifth spot on the ladder and could find themselves slipping even further down if they can’t turn their form slump around against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

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GWS is facing an arduous month ahead with match-ups against other top eight sides Port Adelaide and Collingwood, and suddenly their window for pushing for a top of the table finish is fast closing.

However, midfield ace Taranto says the Giants aren’t getting fixated on a number in the eight and believe this year’s competition is open for a team that hits their straps at the right time.

“Yeah probably. Everyone says it’s pretty even,” said Taranto.

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“We want to finish as high as we can obviously, but whatever happens, wherever we finish, we’ll just go from there.

“There’s no doubt we’re not playing our best footy at the moment but everyone goes through it at some stage during the season.

“We’ve just got to keep it to a two game patch (GWS has lost two on the trot) and look to bounce back from there.

“Everyone goes through it, we’ve just got to stick to our guns and believe in ourselves and whatever happens, happens.”

The Giants need Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper at their best with no Tim Kelly. Picture: Sarah Reed

GWS finished outside the top four last year.

The Western Bulldogs famously won the flag from outside the four, but historically, securing yourself the safety net of a double chance is almost imperative for premiership success.

One factor in GWS’s favour is the fact that rival sides like Collingwood, Geelong and Port Adelaide have also shown some wobbles in recent weeks.

GWS have suffered a major blow in the loss of midfield superstar Josh Kelly for three weeks.

Taranto, who has been impressive for the Giants this year alongside Jacob Hopper, admits he’s taken it upon himself to lift.

“It’s not ideal. He’s a terrific player and we love him out there. But there’s the potential for another mid to have a crack this weekend,” said Taranto.

“Yeah I guess (that means more responsibility). Myself and the other mids are definitely going to need to lift this week and whoever comes in, or whatever Leon decides to do, we have to step up as well. It’s a good opportunity.”

Originally published as Tim Taranto says finishing in the top four won’t make-or-break the Giants’ premiership hopes