Taylor Hunt admits he’s surprised how well he’s made the transition to Tigerland this season following his five-year career at Geelong.
Hunt, who was picked up by Richmond as a delisted free agent last November, has played every game and been a valuable contributor throughout with his run-and-carry. He is averaging 17.5 disposals per match.
“At the start of the year I didn’t expect to play this many games, so I’m pretty happy,” Hunt told ‘Roar Vision’.
“It takes you a little bit to adjust, but the boys were very welcoming early on, and I was lucky enough to have no real injuries coming over. So, it was good to get out there and train and just mingle with the boys.”
WATCH: A comprehensive match preview from Matthew Richardson and Brendon Lade
Hunt has become an integral part of a Richmond defence that was ranked third in the competition during the home-and-away rounds for least total points conceded.
“It was funny, actually. I did a bit of tagging at Geelong and when I met ‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick), he said we look at you as probably a midfielder . . . that lasted about four rounds,” Hunt said.
“But I’m just really enjoying my time down back . . . Had a bit of success with a solid back seven down there. That makes my job a lot easier.
“I think when you’re playing the same back seven week in, week out, you get to know good communication and the strengths of each player . . . It definitely helps.”
Hunt paid special tribute to the Tigers’ star key defender Alex Rance.
“He’s been in amazing form and deserves to be an All-Australian once again. I’ve really enjoyed seeing his work inside the locker rooms as well,” Hunt said.
WATCH: The Tigers train at the ME Centre on Thursday
Hunt, played in only two finals for Geelong, but enjoyed the entire September experience during his time at the Cattery, and gained an insight into how to prepare for finals football.
“The Cats obviously had a lot of success that I would have liked to have had a bit more involvement in,” he said.
“But with the training and stuff like that, you just try and keep the week as normal as possible. It’s business as usual . . .
“You want to keep that calmness within the group.”
Hunt grew up a keen Richmond supporter and attended the Tigers’ last finals win, in the 2001 semi-final against Carlton.
“Mum and dad and nana were all pretty happy. They’ll all be there (on Sunday), so it’ll be good,” he said.
Visit Richmond’s finals hub for all information relating to this week’s elimination final
