Richmond midfielder Taylor Hunt using teammate Anthony Miles as a role modelDaniel Cherny
The Age
March 16, 2015 With their lockers just two doors apart, it's pretty easy for Taylor Hunt to keep an eye on Anthony Miles.
But not only is the former Geelong tagger now in close proximity to the one-time Giant, Hunt is also using Miles as a role model for what can be achieved in his first season at Richmond.
Hunt, 24, signed as a delisted free agent with the Tigers last November after 63 games with the Cats. He is in a similar position to the one Miles found himself in a year earlier after his time at GWS ended. Miles came off the rookie list to play the final 13 games of the season, averaging 24 disposals per game as Richmond surged to the finals.
For Hunt, there is no need to look far for inspiration.
"We're sort of in similar positions, he had a breakout year and was on the outer at one stage so he's one player I look up to and I do some stuff together with him which is good," Hunt said after his team's 11-goal win over an understrength Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Hunt might not have to wait nearly as long as Miles did to make his Richmond debut. Playing a more attacking midfield role compared with what he generally had at Geelong, Hunt had 19 touches to back up his 18 disposals a fortnight earlier against the Western Bulldogs. Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said Hunt was squarely in contention for a berth in the team to face Carlton in round one.
"If he plays like that he's a monty as far as I'm concerned. He's terrific. His work rate is outstanding and his ability to tackle and win contested ball we're really pleased with. He's going to be a welcome addition to us."
While enjoying the sort of freedom he hasn't had since his early days at the Cats, Hunt said he could still be used in a lock-down capacity should he be needed.
"One of the strengths of my game is to be flexible That still could be an option. I could play down back as well so at the moment just working on keeping my game well rounded and just really want to play AFL round one so keeping my options open."
Over the groin troubles that marred the back end of his 2014 campaign, Hunt appears to be relishing his fresh start. He said the coaching staff had given him clear messages.
"Just learning the new game plan, and putting in the real hard work, watching some edits and obviously I'm playing a new role."
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