Sydney Swans recruit Lewis Taylor hopes to add a surge of energy to the club’s list as he enters a second chapter in his AFL career.
The former Brisbane small forward, who linked with the Swans via a three-way trade between Sydney, Carlton and the Lions in October, arrived at the SCG early this week.
The 24-year-old was one of many star youngsters emerging in Brisbane colours – along with names like Harris Andrews, Eric Hipwood and Cameron Raynor – and is now a teammate of Oliver Florent, Will Hayward, Nick Blakey and a host of other promising fresh-faced Swans.
“A bit of energy around the club is what I want to bring,” Taylor told SwansTV.
“On the field I want to bring a bit of pace and good ball use, and I like to think that once I get to know the boys I can provide a bit of energy around the place.
“The Swans list is very exciting so I’m very excited to be joining the club. There are a lot of guys in that age bracket under 24, so there’s some exciting young talent coming through which is great for the club going forward.
“I’m feeling pretty excited about the move. I came down on Sunday. I packed the car up and made the trek down. I’ve come into the club and met everyone, and everyone seems really nice. I’m living with (Head of Football) Charlie Gardiner and his family at the moment and I’ve had a good start to the move.”
Taylor landed at Brisbane via pick 28 at the 2013 AFL Draft and shone in his first season, running out for all 22 senior games en route to winning the 2014 AFL Rising Star award.
The Geelong Falcons product averaged 16.86 possessions per match and booted 12 goals on his way to pipping gun Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli for the Rising Star honour, while he’s arrived at the Swans with 88 goals from 112 AFL games beside his name.
Taylor was a teammate of four-time premiership hero Luke Hodge at the Lions and is now thrilled to be sharing a locker room with a host of decorated Swans.
“Running around with Lance Franklin and guys like Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy will be really exciting,” Taylor said.
“There’s no denying they’re really talented so I’m looking forward to it. Once I get to know the guys and start to train with them and play with them it should be great fun.”
While Taylor managed just five senior appearances in season 2019, he played a crucial role in Brisbane’s undefeated NEAFL premiership victory.
The speedster averaged 27.8 touches and slotted 16 goals, including three in Brisbane’s Grand Final victory over the Southport Sharks.
He’s now single-minded about again becoming an AFL mainstay.
“I’m very determined to win back a regular spot in a senior side,” Taylor said.
“If I can get a good, healthy pre-season put together and get a bit of running and fitness going I’m pretty confident and hopeful that I can get into the side at some stage.”
