Nick's Collingwood Page - The 2004 Team

One of the stars of the competition, Tarrant was drafted in the 1997 National Draft at pick 8. In his first season at the club, Tarrant broke his arm but managed to show glimpses of his enormous potential.
His first game came with a goal against the Western Bulldogs in round 3 and his best games were late in the season against Essendon and Richmond.
1999 was an inconsistent season for Tarrant but he continued to tease supporters with his potential. He took one of the marks of the year against Port Adelaide in round 15 but at the seasons end was looking to return back to the bush. But some talk from Mick Malthouse and Neil Balme coxed Tarrant back to Melbourne.
In 2000, Tarrant scored 28 goals in 18 matches, continuing his improvement.
2001 was a brake through year for Tarrant, who continued his improvement to finish equal 7th in the Copeland Trophy. He also led the goal kicking with 53 and also won the ANZAC Medal in round 5 against Essendon for the best player on the ground.
After suffering hamstring injuries, Tarrant was below his best in 2002 but it did not stop him from starring on occasions such as round 11 when he destroyed Melbourne with seven goals in an best on ground display. He did not manage a goal in the final’s series after suffering from a back complaint.
2003 was the year of Tarrant, as he led the goal kicking, made the All Australian team and came second in the best and fairest. Tarrant also took the mark of the year in round 18, as he flew above Geelong defenders to bring down one of the classic grabs. Although he was kept quiet in the Grand Final, Tarrant never stopped leading and presenting but was unable to exert his influence on the game.
2004 was a mixed year for Tarrant, as injuries and suspension got in the way of his year. After suffering a torn hamstring in round 3, Tarrant missed three weeks before retuning against Carlton in round six.
After starring against the Crows and Roos, Tarrant was controversially suspended against West Coast for striking Trent Carroll. He received two weeks and almost ended Collingwood’s season.