When Freo selected Matt Taberner in the 2012 Rookie Draft, it did so with the knowledge that he was a very good runner.

On Sunday in Brisbane, Taberner translated his excellent endurance abilities into a superb AFL game with what Ross Lyon described as an “outstanding” display.

“He ran them to death,” said the Freo senior coach told reporters after the game.

Taberner had 22 disposals and kicked a goal, and he ran his opponent to all corners of the Gabba to haul in 10 marks and was recongised with the round 22 NAB Rising Star nomination. 

The 21-year-old was a strong middle distance runner at high school, although he said he developed a better running capacity in his late teens.

He knew entering the AFL that he had to turn his tank into an asset.

“It’s a big aspect of my game and something I have to try and exploit teams with,” Taberner said.

The key forward alluded to his forte in an interview with fremantlefc.com.au just days after he’d been drafted in December 2012. “I have always been a pretty natural runner but I have been trying to work on it over the last few years,” Taberner said.

While he’s had two years in the system, Taberner’s endurance has remained where it was when he was drafted.

Piling on eight kilos of muscle to build an AFL body was the reason.

“I’ve put on a few kilos so that makes it a bit harder,” he said.

“(My running capacity) has probably stayed at the same level.”

Taberner played a solid second half in the round 21 win over Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium.

He took that form into Brisbane and said the game against the Hawks, who he supported growing up, was important for his education.

“I did feel I worked into the game a bit better as it went on,” Taberner said.

“It was a great experience for myself, but also as a team playing in such a big game.

“I had plenty of help from fellow forwards and our leaders who really had faith in me.”

Taberner said club captain Matthew Pavlich has been integral to his development.

“‘Pav’ teaches me a lot about being a forward and some tricks of the trade,” he said.

“He’s a great leader, really experienced. He’s helped me a lot and the other developing forwards, too.

“We’re really thankful for that.”

Taberner has also welcomed the return of small forward Michael Walters and the emergence of Hayden Crozier to add to Hayden Ballantyne as the small forward threats in Freo’s attack.

“It makes it really good for myself and the other tall forwards,” he said.

“They are so dangerous and quick and if we can bring it to ground they can cause a bit of havoc there.”