TAC Cup: Calder Cannons draft prospect Curtis Taylor benefiting from senior EDFL experience

DRAFT prospect Curtis Taylor knows how lucky he is.

Curtis Taylor is one of Calder Cannons’ top AFL draft prospects. Picture: Richard Serong.

CURTIS Taylor knows how lucky he is.

After four senior games, the then 16-year-old featured in an Essendon District Football League premiership for Keilor.

Taylor booted a crucial goal late in the second term of the 2016 Premier Division decider, halting a run of three consecutive majors from Aberfeldie to send the Blues 30 points clear at halftime.

It is a good thing the big stage doesn’t faze the Calder Cannons forward, with the 18-year-old, who stands 186cm and weighs 79kg, expected to be snapped up in this year’s AFL National Draft.

“There’s not many people that get to play in a grand final and I was pretty lucky to play in a premiership at 16,” Taylor said.

“It’s something I will cherish for life. I’ll always look back to it and it was kind of surreal when it was happening. But it was a great experience.

“It helped me these past couple of years, just being exposed to senior footy.

“The bigger bodies, it’s something I definitely use as an advantage.”

Curtis Taylor celebrates a goal during Keilor’s grand final win. Picture: Kylie Else.

Taylor lauded the impact Keilor senior coach Mick McGuane, who played 155 AFL games with Collingwood and Carlton, has had on his development.

“He has been massive for me as a mentor,” he said.

“Since I was about 14, he has always kind of just helped me out. Him just being able to (give) little tips or here or there.

“He’s massive on that, on player development. He’s big on just staying loyal to your club … and giving kids the opportunity.

“If you’re good enough, he thinks you deserve to be out there. What I learned from senior footy, I’ll try and take out into my game now.”

Taylor has been involved with the AFL academy and spent a week training with Collingwood during pre-season.

“Just seeing those elite habits and how they go about it, it’s a real eye-opener to try and just emulate stuff into my training and on-field and off-field things,” he said.

Not quite tall enough to be considered a key forward, Taylor relies on his smarts and pace to dodge opponents and earn shots on goal.

He recognises he may need to transition into a midfield role should he reach the elite level and will spend time in the Cannons’ engine room this year.

Taylor has started the campaign strongly, producing a 22-possession, three-goal and four-mark effort against Eastern Ranges in Round 2 to underline his talents.

“I think we are in for an exciting year,” he said. “The brand of footy we have played so far ... it looks to me like it can take us pretty far.”