The two young Giants that Richmond must not underestimate

Terry Wallace has pinpointed GWS pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper as players Richmond must not underestimate in the Grand Final.

The two young Giants have had breakout years, both averaging over 26 disposals a game.

"Tiger fans out there, don’t whatever you do underestimate their two young midfielders who have now become stars – they’re stars of the game," Wallace told SEN Afternoons.

"We’re talking about Jacob Hopper and we’re talking about Tim Taranto. If you look at their numbers, they are now absolutely living up with the elite midfielders – the absolute best midfielders in the competition.

"Don’t underestimate them whatever you do."

Wallace believes the Tigers will need to negate their impact in certain areas to get on top in the midfield battle.

“They are super strong in winning their own footy,” Wallace said.

“Taranto can do it both ways, he is an overlap player, who is a high inside 50 number player. Hopper is more your (Patrick) Cripps type … he’s the really combative one.”

“For Richmond, Hopper is dangerous at the coalface because that is a major strength of GWS over Richmond is clearance.

“Taranto is a danger, he is damaging and he will get inside 50 and high inside 50 numbers if not looked after well enough. He will supply (Jeremy) Cameron, (Harry) Himmelberg and (Jeremy) Finlayson if given opportunities.”

This is GWS’ first Grand Final after falling at the preliminary final hurdle in 2016 and 2017.