Taranto, the No.2 selection in last year’s draft, enjoyed a strong pre-season, getting good game time in all three matches.

He underlined his potential by averaging 17 disposals and five tackles and did enough to become the 75th player to be chosen for the Giants.

Coach Leon Cameron announced 19-year-old Taranto’s debut before Giants training yesterday.

“You’ve had a terrific pre-season, it’s a great effort, No.75 for the Giants, so unleash on Sunday,” Cameron told Taranto in front of the players.

The midfielder-forward got another surprise later on Tuesday when he phoned his American father, who told him he was was flying to Adelaide to watch the game.

Four senior players have already been ruled out of the Giants’ team for Sunday, as both GWS and the Crows deal with a heavy preseason injury toll.

For the Giants, midfielder Stephen Coniglio, off-season recruits Brett Deledio and Matt de Boer and defender Aidan Corr all remain on the injury list. At Adelaide, midfield guns Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch and Scott Thompson have not featured in the preseason, along with emerging defender Jake Lever and Collingwood recruit Paul Seedsman, while skipper Tex Walker is battling a hamstring strain.

GWS midfield general Coniglio’s ankle issue will keep him out for around five weeks while former Docker De Boer is expected back from a hamstring injury in two to three weeks.

The club hasn’t listed a timeframe for the returns of ex-Richmond star Deledio (calf) and defender Corr (hand).

-AAP