‘Maybe 149’: Taranto’s perfect response to Cornes question amid backlash
Richmond star Tim Taranto has silenced his critics and delivered a subtle jab to media pundit Kane Cornes after Friday night’s victory over Geelong at the MCG.
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Richmond star Tim Taranto has silenced his critics and delivered a subtle jab to media pundit Kane Cornes after Friday night’s victory over Geelong at the MCG.
Last week, Cornes claimed that Taranto “wouldn’t be in the top 150 players in the game right now” and suggested the Tigers recruit “didn’t influence games”. The Power great also labelled the club’s decision to sign him and former Giants teammate Jacob Hopper as “a horrific deal”.
Cornes’ remarks drew the ire of Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, who took aim at the former Port Adelaide footballer in a post-match press conference last week.
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“He says it to get clicks. That’s how the media works. Surprise,” Hardwick told reporters.
“He (Taranto) is an outstanding player.”
On Friday evening, Taranto played a starring role during Richmond’s 24-point victory over reigning premiers Geelong finishing with 28 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances.
Speaking to 3AW after the final siren, the midfielder was asked whether he believed he was now one of the league’s 150 top players.
“Oh hopefully, maybe 149,” Taranto 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 every week and I’m loving it. I’m loving my time here at the Tigers.
“We just wanted to give it a red-hot crack tonight … everybody has still got belief and tonight it showed.”
Taranto signed for Richmond after a six-year stint with the Giants, where he played 114 games since 2017, admitting he was expecting a bit of backlash following his decision to switch clubs.
“I knew it was a part of it. I knew it might come at different stages,” the 25-year-old said.
“I’ve just been trying to keep my head down and get 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.”
Triple-premiership star Dustin Martin kicked four goals for Richmond on Friday, while former captain Trent Cotchin stepped up with three majors as the Tigers emerged 16.6 (102) to 11.12 (78) victors.
“I think I certainly have got a lot of belief (in the players) and I think the playing group are starting to feel that little heartbeat come back,” Hardwick told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“It looked Richmond-like – dirty goals, the way we got the ball to ground, and the way they charged in.”
The Tigers, who are currently 12th on the AFL ladder with three wins after nine rounds, face Essendon next Saturday night in the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.
Originally published as ‘Maybe 149’: Taranto’s perfect response to Cornes question amid backlash
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