GWS midfielder Tim Taranto signs two-year contract extension until end of 2022

As he’s watched stars around him succumb to injury, GWS midfielder Tim Taranto has stepped up to fill the void in style. And after signing a new contract, he wants to be part of something special.

Tim Taranto is leading the GWS Giants midfield. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Emerging leader Tim Taranto has his sights set on becoming an inspirational future skipper for the Giants after agreeing a two-year extension to his contract.

The 21-year-old will remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of 2022 — his existing deal still having a year to run.

He has had to assume greater responsibility this season with so many key midfielders having been sidelined with injury, including Callan Ward and Josh Kelly, but he has thrived on having that extra expectation placed on his shoulders.

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And now he wants to take that further and become part of the group to drive the club to the next level.

“It (the absence of so many senior midfielders) has definitely added a bit more responsibility and leadership to myself and Hops (Jacob Hopper). I’ve really enjoyed that opportunity and I look at it a big positive to get the most out of us and really improve ourselves as leaders out on the field,” Taranto said.

Now, he wants to formally embrace the leadership mantle and help lead the way.

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Tim Taranto is one of the Giants’ classy midfielders. Pic: Sarah Reed

“Definitely. It’s something I look forward to doing in the next few years hopefully,” he said. “Me and a few other boys are in the emerging leaders group, a few of the younger boys learning some skills and having a bit of input on how the group goes about it week to week so I enjoy doing that. Hopefully one day I’ll step up into the leadership group.”

He and Hopper have not tried to downplay the extra burden on their shoulders and talk regularly about their respective roles.

But he also acknowledges the assistance from the likes of Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward in providing crucial pointers.

“Every week we (Hopper) have a little chat over lunch, talk about how we’re going, what we expect from ourselves,” Taranto said. “We’ve got a really good relationship.

“He’s (Coniglio) still helping us young minds, giving us tips, still heavily involved. “It’s good to have him and Wardy as well. Even though they’re injured they still have a big influence on the group.”

Taranto is loving life in the engine room and it’s where he feels he can thrive best for the team.

“I love playing midfield, sneaking forward a little bit,” he said.

Taranto wants to one day lead the Giants. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Despite being the focus of plenty of attention from rivals during a game, Taranto is not expecting to be rested before the end of the campaign and is relishing the challenge of Saturday’s derby with the Sydney Swans.

“I’m still feeling good and ready to go. It’s going to be another big physical game I’d imagine this week. We love those types of games, looking forward to it,” he said.

“They’ll be looking to come out and smash us. They’ve got nothing to lose.

“It’s definitely not going to be an easy game so we’ll have to bring our best if we’re going to take them down.”

Taranto will look to get the better of them this weekend but admits he was a big admirer of Swans midfielders Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.

“When I was growing up and in under 18s I watched those two a lot and I really enjoyed how they played. Once I got my opportunity to play against them I just tried to learn as much off them but try and beat them. It’s good experience, they’re two bulls and been the best at it in the game for a long time.

“It’s a good rivalry, a healthy rivalry. It’s an exciting game, a big game.”