Tigers star's cheeky wish after years of instability

Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto has declared he finally feels settled in the yellow and black, after a tumultuous 2023 season.

The Tigers parted ways with three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick in May, in what was Taranto’s first season for Richmond.

Before that, the 26-year-old endured his former GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron’s abrupt departure from the club in May 2022

It was Hardwick’s exit that shook up the former powerhouse club, with their beloved coach, who brought them their first premiership in 30 years, heading up north just months after citing he was “burnt out”.

Hardwick is now the senior coach of the Gold Coast Suns, confident he can take their to a maiden finals appearance this season.

Damien Hardwick has his Suns players in awe already.

Despite the unfortunate exit just as Taranto kicked off his career with Richmond, he still managed to take home their best and fairest after a stand out inaugural season in the yellow and black.

Now, he’s finally feeling like he’s at home, thanks to some stability at the top, with Melbourne champion Adam Yze appointed coached in September.

“Knock on wood, Yze can keep his job this year,” Taranto joked at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday.

“A bit of stability will be good. I feel like everyone has settled in now.”

Tim Taranto says he feels setlled at Punt Road.

Taranto did not feature in the Tiger’s win over Melbourne in their practice match, but is raring to go as they face the reigning premiers next week.

“Got managed last week. I probably could have played, but we’ve got a game on Tuesday, which is against the Pies for the charity shield match,” Taranto said.

Richmond will feature in the AFL’s new Opening Round fixture, taking on old coach Damien Hardwick and his Suns up north, a week before round one.