The GIANTS have used their first pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft on contested bull Tim Taranto who has the ability to play as both a forward and a midfielder. 

The Victorian joined the GIANTS with pick two of the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, held at the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney on Friday night.

Taranto elevated himself among the best junior talents in this year’s draft with his smarts around goal and an innate ability to find the footy.

Taranto lifted in the big games towards the end of the season, which saw him rise up the draft order to be taken as the second player in this year’s draft. 

A tall midfielder at 186cm and 82kg, Taranto can also play as a genuine forward. Playing as an almost permanent half-forward for Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, he was involved in 38 scoring chains, nine more than the second best player in the carnival. 

He kicked four goals in four games for Metro, and averaged 19 disposals to prove both his midfield and forward-line credentials.

Taranto is incredibly athletic, running a level 15.9 beep test earlier this year, but matching that with footy sense. 

The 18-year-old is tough and competitive, and a great overhead mark around the ground. His leap and strong hands give him a different dimension and he averaged seven grabs a game at TAC Cup level.

A TAC Cup Premiership player with the Sandringham Dragons, Taranto kicked four goals in Sandringham’s TAC Cup preliminary final victory before starring in the Grand Final win with 30 disposals and 11 tackles.

He averaged 27 disposals in 10 TAC Cup games as well as kicking 14 goals.

The midfielder also put in a dominant performance in the Under 18s All Stars match on the eve of the AFL Grand Final, finishing with 19 touches and four goals.

Taranto is a strong tackling footballer who is courageous when coming up against bigger bodied opponents. His one-on-one work forward of centre is also impressive.