Just a few minutes after prized Richmond recruits Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto sang the Club’s theme song for the first time following a win at the MCG, in yesterday’s clash with West Coast, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to the star midfield duo during his post-match press conference.

“Those two boys that we brought in, in Hopper and Taranto, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we need to be – or more importantly we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we want to be – without those two boys.

“They’ve been wonderful for our footy club.

“They’re starting to learn what it is to be a Richmond person and starting to play like Richmond men, which is really important . . .

“I thought those two boys were very, very good today and will continue to be for a long period of time.”

The star midfield duo played pivotal roles in the Tigers’ 46-point victory over the Eagles.

Taranto finished the match with 30 disposals, a game-high 20 contested possessions, an equal game-high 10 clearances, game-high five centre clearances, two goals, six score involvements, three inside-50s, three intercepts, five tackles and 293 metres gained.

It was the fifth time this season Taranto has had 30 disposals or more in a match.

He has achieved the impressive individual statistical milestone in each of his past four games and is averaging 30.6 disposals per match for the 2023 season.

Hopper racked up 32 disposals in the Round 8 encounter, with 18 contested possessions, one goal, seven score involvements, an equal game-high 10 clearances, four centre clearances, an equal game-high nine inside-50s, five intercepts, six tackles and a game-high 644 metres gained.

He is averaging 24.7 disposals per match this season.