Born in Derrimut, Victoria, Tarrant originally played for South Mildura in the Sunraysia Football League and moved to Bendigo in 1996 on an AFL scholarship.

Despite being hampered by knee problems in 2005, Tarrant kicked 36 goals in 17 games to be Collingwood's lead goalkicker for a fifth straight season.

In November 2005, Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse stated that Tarrant had gained strength in his legs after a successful recovery from post-season knee surgery.

Honours bestowed upon Tarrant during his AFL career include All-Australian selection in 2003, Second place in the Collingwood Best & Fairest award (Copeland Trophy) in 2003, Club Leading Goalkicker in 2001, 2002 (equal), 2003, 2004, 2005, and Mark Of The Year in 2003.

[7] On being traded to the Dockers, Tarrant said that Subiaco Oval, both Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles' home ground, would suit his style of play.

He also thought that playing alongside Matthew Pavlich, a similar styled player, would be difficult for opposition defences.

The move was successful, with Tarrant putting together a string of noteworthy defensive performances on opposition forwards as well as providing some penetrating rebound attack.

During the second semi final, he was reported for striking a Clarence player, but received a reprimand due to his good record.

In August 2006, Tarrant and Collingwood teammate Ben Johnson were involved in a fight at a Port Melbourne nightclub.