Veteran Steve Johnson rightly took many of the plaudits after the a six-goal haul in last week’s semi-final, but it was the youngest and least experienced player on the ground who earned the coach’s praise.

Former number two draft pick Tim Taranto played his first game since round 14 in Saturday’s cut-throat semi-final and more than held his own as he collected 17 touches and kicked a goal.

But it was his class and composure under the finals heat that impressed coach Leon Cameron.

“For a first-year player’s that missed eight weeks, it was really good,” Cameron said.

“There’s a reason why we picked him at pick two, he’s just got some serious composure, he’s tough, he’s hard, he halves contests.

“Everything I’ve just said he did (in the semi-final) so we’re really pleased. I thought our kids stood up, I thought they were really, really good under the heat of a final.”

The 19-year-old from Melbourne made his debut in round one against Adelaide and missed just one game before suffering a syndesmosis ankle injury in late June.

After two months out, he had to work his way back into the team during a period when the GIANTS Reserves were out of competition.

But Taranto wasn’t overawed by his first final in just his 13th AFL game.

“It’s really good to be back,” he said.

“I’ve been out for so long so to come back in and play that well as a group was just one of the best feelings ever.

“I was pretty confident but obviously a bit nervous still. I got through fine so I’m really happy.”

This week’s preliminary final against the Tigers will be another step up for the talented mid/forward who’s experienced nothing like the 95,000 MCG crowd he will encounter on Saturday afternoon.

While he said finals are a different experience, it’s not one that’s daunting him.

“You can’t explain it, it’s just different,” he said.

“The chance to play next week on the ’G against the Tigers would be unreal, it’s a dream of mine.

“It’s just like any other week. prepare like we do every other week and bring it to the Tigers.”