In AFL Fantasy, SuperCoach, and GameDay Squad, individual player performance can be significantly influenced by their team's overall success. Historically, standout midfielders in underperforming teams have achieved remarkable fantasy scores. Examples include Gary Ablett Jr. with Gold Coast, Tom Rockliff with the Brisbane Lions, and more recently, Touk Miller with Gold Coast, Rory Laird at the Crows and Jack Steele with St Kilda. These players thrived despite their teams' lackluster performances, becoming central figures in fantasy leagues.
For such success, the player must possess the ability to win their own ball and be the primary target for their teammates. In 2025, Tim Taranto of the Richmond Tigers is poised to be that player. Given Richmond's anticipated challenges, Taranto is expected to emerge as the number one midfielder for 2025 in AFL Fantasy, GameDay Squad and Supercoach.
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Richmond's Projected Downturn in 2025
Richmond's performance in 2024 was subpar, and projections for 2025 suggest further decline. The team invested heavily in the draft, acquiring talented midfielders Sam Lalor and Josh Smile. However, this came at the cost of losing key midfield depth players and the retirement of club legend Dustin Martin. The current roster now leans on injury-prone veterans and unproven young talent, setting the stage for a challenging season.
Tim Taranto: The Beacon in a Struggling Team
At 27 years old, Tim Taranto is entering his prime. He has previously achieved two seasons averaging over 110 points in AFL Fantasy. In 2023, before his bye, he averaged over 120 points. In 2024, despite some setbacks, he maintained a commendable performance.
Taranto's center bounce attendances (CBAs) were at 73% in 2024, a slight decrease from 78% the previous year. His time on ground (TOG) also dipped to 80% from 84% in prior seasons. These declines can be attributed to preseason issues and mid-season injuries that caused him to miss several games. Notably, he concluded the season with a stellar 145-point game against Geelong, highlighted by 14 tackles. This shows his cealing, especially through tackling—a skill likely to be in frequent use given Richmond's anticipated defensive struggles in 2025.
The State of Richmond's Midfield
Beyond Taranto, Richmond's midfield comprises Dion Prestia and Jacob Hopper, both of whom have significant injury histories. It's plausible if not probable that one or both may miss substantial portions of the 2025 season. The remaining midfield options include Thomson Dow, Kane McAuliffe, and the newly drafted rookies. The trade period saw the departure of key midfield contributors:
Shai Bolton: 54% CBAs
Jack Graham: 37% CBAs
Liam Baker: 35% CBAs
Dustin Martin: 22% CBAs
These losses further thin the midfield ranks, increasing Taranto's centrality to Richmond's game plan. I fully expect Taranto to rank highly again in handball recieves, and meters gained as his teammates look to him for leadership.
Statistical Outlook for 2025
In 2024, Richmond was notably poor in terms of AFL Fantasy points per game. Statistical trends suggest that such extreme performances are often followed by regression toward the mean, implying potential improvement in 2025. Teams with a youthful roster often adopt a strategy of slowing the game tempo to protect inexperienced players. Taranto, possessing an elite endurance level, will be pivotal in these scenarios, especially with the departure of Daniel Rioli. The younger players are likely to rely on Taranto's experience, seeking him out during play, thereby boosting his involvement and fantasy point accumulation.
Why Tim Taranto Will Be the Top Midfielder in AFL Fantasy in 2025
Given Richmond's anticipated underperformance, it's likely they will finish at the bottom of the ladder in 2025. In such situations, teams often lean heavily on their star players to lead and mentor the emerging talent. Taranto is poised to be that leader. Additionally, his disposal efficiency and Richmond's lack of competitiveness may reduce the likelihood of him being targeted by opposition taggers, allowing him greater freedom to accumulate points.
Currently, Taranto's cards on the GameDay Squad market are undervalued:
Diamond Card: $44.44
Silver Card: $0.99
Investing in these cards now could yield significant returns, as I project taranto to be not just a top 7 midfielder, but potentially the number one midfielder in 2025.
Conclusion
Tim Taranto is set to be a standout performer in the 2025 AFL Fantasy landscape. His combination of personal skill, prime age, and the pivotal role he will play in a struggling Richmond team positions him as a top pick across all fantasy formats at a significant discount. Let me know what you think and what he will average below.. For more insights and tips, explore our guides on up-to-date hacks for free GameDay Squad packs and learn more about what AFL GameDay Squad is all about.
Cheers,
The Goal Practitioner
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