AFTER four impressive showings for Vic Country last year as a bottom-aged player, Taylor was eligible for the Greater Western Sydney mini-draft. Others were more advanced than him and won selection, but it showed Taylor was on the right track, further emphasised by his inclusion in the AIS-AFL Academy.
The Geelong Falcons midfielder had an even better, more consistent and prolific year in 2013, and was named captain of Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and an All Australian. His season ended with surgery, however, when a crack in his foot was discovered on the eve of the TAC Cup finals series. He is due to be back in training by the end of November, and the injury won't impact his draft placing.
STRENGTHS
Taylor brings some life to any game he is a part of. Firstly, he gets a lot of the ball. In his 10 games for the Falcons, he averaged 31 disposals at an efficiency rate of 75 per cent. At this year's championships, he averaged 25 disposals. For a small player, Taylor is powerful. He's strong through the hips and torso, and can hunt the ball around the stoppages. He's better when in a little bit of space, though, and often he creates that himself by shooting off a handball and then running past to get the ball back. Taylor stands out by doing the same things over and over: running fast, zipping through, taking bounces, kicking neatly and setting up the play. He is a warm, infectious personality who trains and plays with enthusiasm.
WEAKNESSES
In some eyes, Taylor's size at 174cm will count against him. Most believe, however, that he has shown that it isn't a major deficiency and Taylor has worked out ways to overcome it. Taylor spent a fair chunk of last year playing across half-forward and he showed he can kick goals in that spot, booting 16 for the Falcons in 14 games. This year he managed only two goals for Geelong. If he could hit the scoreboard a bit more as a midfielder it would be another string to his bow.
Taylor brings some life to any game he is a part of. Firstly, he gets a lot of the ball. In his 10 games for the Falcons, he averaged 31 disposals at an efficiency rate of 75 per cent. At this year's championships, he averaged 25 disposals. For a small player, Taylor is powerful. He's strong through the hips and torso, and can hunt the ball around the stoppages. He's better when in a little bit of space, though, and often he creates that himself by shooting off a handball and then running past to get the ball back. Taylor stands out by doing the same things over and over: running fast, zipping through, taking bounces, kicking neatly and setting up the play. He is a warm, infectious personality who trains and plays with enthusiasm.
WEAKNESSES
In some eyes, Taylor's size at 174cm will count against him. Most believe, however, that he has shown that it isn't a major deficiency and Taylor has worked out ways to overcome it. Taylor spent a fair chunk of last year playing across half-forward and he showed he can kick goals in that spot, booting 16 for the Falcons in 14 games. This year he managed only two goals for Geelong. If he could hit the scoreboard a bit more as a midfielder it would be another string to his bow.
PLAYS LIKE
Jack Steven has an inch or two on Taylor but they play in a similar style. Taylor, like the emerging St Kilda midfielder, enjoys running with the ball tucked under his arm, looking ahead and setting the agenda for the next move in the game.
DRAFT RANGE
Taylor is placed somewhere between picks 10-25.
BOTTOM LINE
Forget about Taylor's size and look at the things he can do, like control a game on his terms. One of the best-performed midfielders in the pool and a combative, competitive footballer.
DRAFT RANGE
Taylor is placed somewhere between picks 10-25.
BOTTOM LINE
Forget about Taylor's size and look at the things he can do, like control a game on his terms. One of the best-performed midfielders in the pool and a combative, competitive footballer.
