David King is excited about what Richmond recruit Tim Taranto can bring to the Tigers in 2023.
After six seasons and 114 games with GWS, Taranto joined Richmond for picks No. 12 and 19 in the National Draft over the trade period.
Signing a seven-year deal with the Tigers, Richmond expects Taranto to be a mainstay in their midfield for much of the next decade and King believes he could soon be the face of the club.
Having already won a best and fairest with the Giants, King believes the 25-year-old can go to the next level and has him poised to be a top five player in the AFL this season.
“I think Richmond are the real wildcard for me,” King said on SEN Mornings.
“I see Tim Taranto come into that line-up, I think he’ll be a top five player in the competition this year.
“Whether he’s kicking goals or bursting from the middle, he’s another one of those players that don’t quite get the wraps they deserve for what they’ve been at the Giants.
“He comes to a big power (fan) base now, he’ll be the face of Richmond halfway through the year.
“I know they’ve got Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt and all these guys, but this guy will fast become their midfield.”
Joining Taranto in yellow and black is fellow former Giant Jacob Hopper and Leigh Montagna thinks the midfield duo will help turn one of Richmond’s weaknesses into a newfound strength.
“I love Jacob Hopper,” the former Saint said.
“Similarly, I think we underestimate how good a player Jacob Hopper was at the Giants because he’s been out of sight and out of mind.
“I love him as well, they compliment each other, I saw them in the practice match against the Kangaroos and they haven’t lost much at all.
“In fact (inside midfield) was probably an area of weakness for Richmond.
“But now, when you look at (Dion) Prestia fit and Shai Bolton is going to play through there, they are going to be formidable.”
Richmond face Melbourne in a pre-season clash at Casey Fields on Saturday before their 2023 season kicks off on March 16 against Carlton at the MCG.