Tim Taranto’s terrific start to his playing career at Tigerland is highlighted by how well he’s polling in the AFL Coaches’ Association’s Champion Player of the Year award.

The star midfielder has polled the most votes by a Richmond player in the prestigious award after 10 rounds of the 2023 season.

He has received votes in five games for an overall total of 28.

That is 11 more than the next best Tiger, Daniel Rioli, with 17 votes, followed by Shai Bolton 16, and Liam Baker 12.

Taranto picked up five votes for his strong showing against Essendon in last Saturday night's Round 10 Dreamtime at the ‘G’ blockbuster – a team-high 33 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five marks, six inside-50s, a game-high nine clearances, game-high centre clearances, four rebound-50s, one goal, eight score involvements and 422 metres gained.

Bolton was the only other Richmond player to be given coaches’ votes for the Round 10 match.

He was rewarded for his dazzling display on the night – 28 disposals, a game-high 13 contested possessions, game-high seven inside-50s, five clearances, two goals, six score involvements, five intercepts, seven tackles and 482 metres gained – with six votes.

The full voting details for the Round 10 Richmond v Essendon match are:

10 – Zac Merrett (Essendon)

7 – Jordan Ridley (Essendon)

6 – Shai Bolton (Richmond)

5 – Tim Taranto (Richmond)

1 – Mason Redman (Essendon)

1 – Sam Durham (Essendon)