Brisbane Blaze women’s coach Nikki Taylor lauded by senior player on eve of semi-final

For hockey stalwart Nikki Taylor, a season of highlights has continued following the Brisbane Blaze’s success in the Hockey One national league. After guiding Kedron-Wavell to a hoodoo snapping premiership, Taylor’s Blaze will play in the semi-final

For hockey stalwart Nikki Taylor, a season of highlights has continued following the Brisbane Blaze’s amazing success in the new Hockey One national league competition.

After guiding Kedron-Wavell to a hoodoo snapping premiership win in Division 1, Taylor’s Brisbane Blaze women will play in the semi-final on Saturday in what is the inaugural season of the competition.

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It will be a double header, with the Blaze men also booking a place in the semi-finals.

Taylor’s Blaze women will play Adelaide Fire at 5pm at the State Hockey Centre, followed by the Blaze men taking on Tassie Tigers at 6.30pm.

Blaze senior player Morgan Gallagher heaped praise on Taylor.

Morgan Gallagher in action against Tigers> (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

“Nikki Taylor has played an integral role in getting the Brisbane Blaze to the semi-final this weekend,’’ Gallagher said.

“She is so well respected and admired among the group and knows how to bring the best out in each player.

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“She is always well informed and organised and we know to trust the game plan going into each weekend.

“We are extremely lucky to have her as the Brisbane Blaze coach.’’

Jodie Kenny of the Blaze (left) and teammate Morgan Gallagher celebrate a goal. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Ironically Taylor plotted the downfall of Gallagher’s University in the Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association Division 1 premiership in September.

In her 12th season at the helm of Kedron-Wavell, she led the Wolves to a long-awaited maiden title.

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This was despite Kedron Wavell being one of the league’s top teams, with eight top-three finishes this decade. Gallagher’s University were the defending champions.

Coach Nikki Taylor in 2013 as Kedron-Wavell prepared for the grand final.

There is nothing Taylor, a Cornubia resident, has not seen or heard in Queensland hockey.

After playing a record 372 Division 1 games and representing Queensland, Taylor has gone onto coach around 500 Brisbane Division 1 games with Easts, Commercial and Kedron-Wavell.

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She has also guided Brisbane senior teams and Queensland age sides to championship wins.

She was assistant coach of the Queensland Scorchers side which won the silver medal at the 2018 Australian Hockey League, the precursor to the new Hockey One national competition.