Off-contract Greater Western Sydney gun Tim Taranto has stated heโs โnot in a rushโ to secure his future with the Giants, however has expressed his love for the Harbour City.
Taranto has been a prolific member of the Giantsโ midfield since arriving as Pick 2 in the 2016 National Draft, playing 98 games across five seasons in the orange and charcoal.ย
The ex-Sandringham Dragon has reportedly been on the radar of Victorian clubs throughout previous years, and 2022 might be no different given the appealing pedigree Taranto would offer to any suitor.
But the 24-year-old has loved life in Sydney since venturing north six years ago, even becoming more fond of the New South Wales capital than Melbourne.ย
"I'm not in a rush. I want to get this first part of the season underway and then reassess after the first five weeks,โ Taranto said of his contract situation to AFL.com.au.ย
"Right now, I'm happy, the club's happy with where it's at. Had a good conversation with my manager [Matt Bain] and Jase [Jason McCartney] and it is all going well. I'm just not going to think about it until the first five or six rounds and see what happens after that.ย
"I love this club so much; I love everyone here and I love Sydney; I prefer it to Melbourne. Hopefully it works out that I can be a one-club player and stay up in Sydney for the rest of my life."
It is understood that the Giants have looked to get the wheels rolling on a new deal for their prized onballer in hope of continuing their strong year of retention signings.
Having locked away Josh Kelly (2029), Toby Greene (2026), Jacob Hopper (2023), Sam Taylor (2025), Harry Perryman (2024) and Lachie Ash (2023) within the last year alone, Taranto firms as a priority re-signing in 2022.
Should he secure his future with Greater Western Sydney, Tarantoโs signature will continue the trend of star Giants committing themselves to Leon Cameronโs cause.
Seasons gone by have seen the likes of Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams, Dylan Shiel and Zac Williams venture to Victoria as the Giants looked to claw their way into premiership contention.ย
With key personnel opting to depart, their hopes of securing a maiden premiership have been hampered.ย
But there is believed to be greater optimism when it comes to Tarantoโs next big decision, with it seemingly a matter of when and not if the bullish onballer recommits to the club.ย
A strong pre-season showing against Collingwood on the weekend has placed Taranto on a prime path to enjoy a career-best campaign in 2022, with the Giants set to open their home and away campaign in the โBattle of the Bridgeโ on Saturday, March 19 at Accord Stadium against cross-town rivals Sydney.ย
