The Player - Made his name at Collingwood as a high-flying forward and will end it as one of the most accomplished key defenders in the business. Underwent an amazing transformation during a four year sabbatical at Fremantle after the Magpies had traded him at the end of 2006 after three years where he struggled for consistency. Dockers coach Mark Harvey moulded him into a full back who is capable of playing on forwards both tall and small due to his height, strength and underrated pace over short distances. He has suffered his share of injuries over his 13 year career, but has fared better than his younger brother Robbie, who has struggled with injury at North Melbourne.
Tarrant's early years at Collingwood coincided with the club's rise from wooden spooners in 1999 to Grand Finalists in 2002 and 2003. He was an All-Australian forward pocket in 2003, and gained a reputation as one of the best aerialists in the game. He was able to form strong partnerships with Anthony Rocca and Jarrod Molloy in his early years in attack, and now links with Ben Reid as a key component of the modern day Collingwood defence. Will look to again marshal the backline in 2012.
2011
Was welcomed back to Collingwood with open arms, replacing the retiring Simon Prestigiacomo at full back. Consistently beat the best key forwards the game has to offer and was one of Collingwood’s best in the finals. Finished 10th in the Copeland Trophy. Recorded his 250th game in round 20.
2010
Recorded another stellar year in the backline for the Dockers, ending the year placed 10th in Fremantle’s Best and Fairest despite an injury interrupted year. Was traded back home to Collingwood in October.
2009
Turned his career around when shifted to defence, finishing 3rd in Fremantle’s Best and Fairest and coming close to All-Australian selection. Proved adept at countering players of all sizes at full back.
2008
Spent time in the WAFL early in the season but steadied as the year wore on. Was hampered by a shoulder injury late in the piece, but still managed 23 goals.
2007
Kicked 33 goals on debut for Fremantle, but was plagued by inaccuracy in front of goal. Saved his best for his rematch with Collingwood in Round 10 (27 disposals) but missed both shots at goal.
2006
A rocky season that led to his switch to Fremantle during the trade period. Starred with six against the Kangaroos on Easter Monday, but was involved in a controversial late night incident in Port Melbourne prior to the crunch match against Adelaide in Round 18. Kicked three in the elimination final loss to the Bulldogs but it couldn't save him from the axe a month later.
2005
Led the goal kicking for the final time (36) but genuinely had a season to forget. Injury and a horror year from a team perspective (15th) meant Tarrant never reached peak form. Had a day out (five goals) in the round three win over Carlton but missed the final month with a knee injury.
2004
Struggled with injury and a mid-season suspension that struck just as he was running into form. Finished 10th in the Copeland Trophy and led the goal kicking (36), performing admirably in a struggling side.
2003
Enjoyed the best season of his career, finishing 2nd in the Copeland Trophy and being named in the forward pocket of the All-Australian team. Led the club’s goal kicking with a career high 54 goals and won Mark of the Year for his speccy over Matthew Scarlett. Managed only one goal in the Grand Final loss, but kicked three in each of the previous two finals.
2002
Led the goal kicking with Anthony Rocca (38) but failed to score a goal in any of the club’s three finals. Kicked a career high seven goals against Melbourne on the Queen’s Birthday, and five in the famous round eight win over the Brisbane Lions.
2001
Enjoyed a breakout year, kicking 53 goals and running equal 7th (with James Clement) in the Copeland Trophy. Bagged five goals on three occasions and earned the first six Brownlow Medal votes of his career. Took one of the Marks of the Year, flying over a huge pack on the Queen’s Birthday against the Demons.
2000
Finished equal eighth (with Josh Fraser and Anthony Rocca) in the Copeland Trophy after an interrupted start to the season, where he was on the verge of quitting the club and returning home to country Victoria. Started the year in defence before settling in attack with four goals against the Swans in round four.
1999
Struggled to find consistency in a wooden spoon team. Was nominated for Mark of the Year for his grab over Kangaroo Mick Martyn. Kicked four in the come-from-behind win over St Kilda at Waverley Park. Is the last remaining Magpie to have played a senior match at Victoria Park, having played in the final game at the ground in round 22 against the Brisbane Lions.
1998
Made a late start to the season with a broken arm. Debuted in round three against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Oval on Easter Saturday (seven disposals, one goal). Finished the season strongly by playing in the last four rounds.
1997
Played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup, where he was a recipient of an AFL life membership scholarship. Drafted to Collingwood with the eighth selection in the 1997 National Draft. He was one of three players to be taken in the draft to play over 100 games for the Magpies (Shane O'Bree (Brisbane) and Brodie Holland (Fremantle) arrived at the club a few years later).
1996
Played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup U16s, where he was an All-Australian. Required a shoulder reconstruction at year's end.
Collingwood Debut
Round 3 1998 v Western Bulldogs at Princes Park.
Fremantle Debut
Round 1 2007 (Fremantle v Port Adelaide) at Subiaco Oval.
Milestones
- 50th Collingwood Game - Round 7 2011 v Kangaroos at Docklands Stadium.
- 100th Collingwood Game - Round 15 2003 v Fremantle at the MCG.
- 150th Collingwood Game - Round 9 2006 v Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
- 200th AFL Game - Round 2 2009 (Essendon v Fremantle) at Docklands Stadium.
- 50th Fremantle Game - Round 13 2009 (Collingwood v Fremantle) at the MCG.
- 250th AFL Game - Round 20 2011 (Port Adelaide v Collingwood) at AAMI Stadium.
Draft History
1997 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 8 overall;
2006 NAB AFL Draft traded by Collingwood for Paul Medhurst and No. 8 (Ben Reid);
2010 NAB AFL Draft traded with No. 44 by Fremantle for No. 43 and No. 55.
