It was particularly fitting for Richmond’s star midfield recruit Tim Taranto to win the Ian Stewart Medal for being best on ground in the Tigers’ win against St Kilda at the MCG last night.

With a game-high and equal AFL career-high 38 disposals, game-high 18 contested possessions, game-high 10 tackles, four inside-50s, six clearances, the match-sealing goal, four score involvements, four intercepts and 411 metres gained, Taranto was a most deserved recipient of the medal named after the legendary centreman who played for both Richmond and St Kilda.

And, given the start Taranto has made to his playing career at Tigerland, it was even more appropriate.

Stewart’s debut season with Richmond was sensational.

He averaged 22.2 disposals per game that year, kicked a total of 11 goals, won his third Brownlow Medal, and captured the Jack Dyer Medal.

Taranto, in his 14 games so far this season, is averaging 32.0 disposals and has scored 13 goals.

Stewart, in his first 14 games for the Tigers, averaged 21.5 disposals and had booted four goals.

Having watched Stewart’s inaugural season at Richmond, I firmly believe to this corresponding stage of the year, Taranto’s form is even better.

That’s not to say he is going to finish the season as strongly as what Stewart did, but barring injury, Taranto seems set to bolt the Jack Dyer Medal in. And he’s firming by the week for the Brownlow Medal (now into fourth favourite with the bookies).

Triple Tiger premiership captain, champion midfielder, and Brownlow Medallist Trent Cotchin, in a press conference after reaching the AFL 300-game milestone last night, spoke glowingly about Taranto.

“He’s a superstar,” Cotchin said.

“I think you forget how young he still is . . .  Just an incredible person. Willing to work on everything.

“You see him and the work-rate he puts into each game, but also win contested possession and continue to show up.

“The way he trains, the way that he prepares, is very much the top echelon of players that I’ve seen. And he’s getting his just desserts with regards to numbers . . . He works bloody hard for them.

“He’s a real joy to work with.”

Judges votes:

Ian Stewart (Chair) - 3 Shai Bolton, 2 Dan Butler, 1 Trent Cotchin

Matthew Lloyd (3AW) - 3 Tim Taranto, 2 Nick Vlastuin, 1 Trent Cotchin

Michael Barlow (SEN) - 3 Tim Taranto, 2 Trent Cotchin, 1 Dustin Martin

Anna Harrington (AAP) - 3 Trent Cotchin, 2 Tim Taranto, 1 Dustin Martin

2023 Ian Stewart Medal
8 - Tim Taranto
7 - Trent Cotchin
3 - Shai Bolton
2 - Dustin Martin
2 - Nick Vlastuin
2 - Dan Butler