Star Tiger recruit Tim Taranto talks to the Club’s AFLW vice-captain Sarah Hosking, in a special Richmond Media interview, about his recent trade to Tigerland, and why he’s so pumped about the move.

Becoming a Tiger

“It’s amazing. Absolutely stoked. I’ve always admired the Tigers from the outside . . . the way they’ve played, and it always seemed like they had really good people there. So, absolutely over the moon to be joining the Tigers.”

Whirlwind weeks leading up to the trade

“The last month or two, to be honest, has been a bit crazy, finishing the season and then trying to work through a few things with my manager . . . then jumping on a plane over to the States (America). And then just hoping the deal got done. I was just praying every night that it happened smoothly, and very lucky on the first day (of the trade period) it happened . . . It couldn’t have gone any better, to be honest.”

His decision to make the move to Punt Road

“Halfway through the year it came to me that it might be the best career choice for me. As the year progressed, it became more of a probability. And, by the end of the season, it was almost a certainty. I was just grateful that Richmond had their interest in me. It was an easy decision, to be honest, in the end. They were really good. Made me feel really wanted and welcomed . . .”

The attraction of Tigerland

“The style of play is really exciting. Obviously, they’ve had a lot of success. The people seem really nice. My phone hasn’t stopped going off with messages from players, staff, coaches, board members . . . It’s been really nice, and it’s made me feel really happy to join such a great club. So, I’m keen to just get back and get into it . . . I’ve been over here (America) for a while and I’m itching to get back and meet everyone in person.”

The playing attributes he brings to the Club

“As a midfielder, just work right up and back offensively and defensively, tackling pressure, winning contested ball and clearance work. I think when I get that opportunity to do that, that’s when I play my best footy. So, hopefully I can slot in nicely there with a few of the other boys and we can have a good run at it next season.”

Joining Richmond with long-time teammate Jacob Hopper

“We spoke a few times during the year, and I guess our heads were kind of in similar positions. He told me a couple of weeks ago that it was going to be Richmond, too, and I was over the moon. I’m just excited because I think we play really well together, and when we’ve played our best footy, it’s been together in the same midfield. So, I’m just really excited as well to have another mate that can come down and make the transition slightly easier, too.”