There’s no denying Robbie Tarrant’s ability and calibre, unless you don’t barrack for North Melbourne that is. 

But after another incredible game on the weekend, the key defender is beginning to get the credit he deserves.

Aged 30, Tarrant is in career-best form and tallied a team-high 22 disposals, 11 marks, a season-high 10 spoils, and a season-high 6 intercept marks putting him as the No.1 ranked player on the ground. 

The Herald Sun’s Chris Cavanagh wrote, “If he is not the most underrated player in the competition, Robbie Tarrant is at least in the conversation”.

In the dying minutes of the game, the opposition had four inside-50s and Tarrant rebounded three of them.

“Had the Kangaroos beaten Essendon on Saturday, Tarrant would have been lauded as the matchwinner,” Cavanagh said.

While other key defenders are best used as a spare man in the backline, Tarrant does his best work locking down dangerous forwards.

Champion Data logged Tarrant playing 65 minutes on Shaun McKernan who managed just four touches and no goals and 34 minutes on Jake Stringer who had one touch.

Post-match, North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw highlighted the vice-captain’s efforts.

“Our defenders have gone a little bit underrated,” Shaw said.

“I look at Robbie Tarrant, who has dominated a lot of top-quality opponents this year and not much has been said about him. But he’s an exceptional player and an exceptional leader.”