AFL draft: North Melbourne recruit Curtis Taylor jumps at chance
North Melbourne draftee Curtis Taylor is eyeing an early-season debut next year and a Round 2 clash with best mate — Brisbane’s Cameron Rayner.
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From backyard battles to a possible Docklands stoush.
North Melbourne draftee Curtis Taylor is eyeing an early-season debut next year and a Round 2 clash with best mate — Brisbane’s Cameron Rayner.
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The 2017 AFL draft’s No. 1 pick, Rayner was one of the first people to congratulate Taylor when he was chosen at selection no. 46 by North Melbourne in the AFL national draft.
“He was hoping I got to the Lions, but he’s just happy for me to be on the list,” Taylor said. “He’s already pinpointed next year, in Round 2 we’re playing the Lions.
“If I’m lucky enough to get a game I’ll be up against him. He’s already let me know about that.”
The pair grew up in Melbourne’s north west, Rayner playing junior football for Hillside and Essendon Doutta Stars, while Taylor graduated from Keilor.
The Calder Cannons forward was tipped as a possible first-round draft selection and the Roos jumped at the chance to add him to their list when he fell to the third round.
“Being invited there (on the Thursday) night, that was hard,” he said.
“Then waiting a fair while (on Friday). But in the end, you forget about it.
“I’m on North Melbourne’s list now and you forget about the wait and what it was like. I am just really excited.”
Listed at 186cm and 79kg, the mid-sized forward averaged 18 disposals, five marks and three tackles in the TAC Cup this year, booting 14 goals in 12 matches.
Taylor was introduced to coach Brad Scott and general manager Cameron Joyce within minutes of being drafted as life as an AFL footballer started with a photo shoot.
“He’s a ripping guy. He was really welcoming to mum and dad and my brother and sister,” Taylor said of Scott.
“He was really interested in what they have to do. I love the way he goes about it and I am really keen to start working with him.”
Taylor has worked closely with Roos forward Mason Wood in the past 12 months and is buoyed by the prospect of sharing the attacking 50 with him.
“I did the training in pre-season with him last year and we caught up occasionally,” he said. “As soon as I got home (after the draft), I was home for five minutes and he knocked on the door and he gave me a hug.”
Taylor, who played in an Essendon District senior premiership for Keilor at 16, said he was driven to achieve the ultimate success with the Kangaroos.
“I just want to be able to firstly earn the respect of the players and get along with them,” he said.
“Get through a full pre-season being really fit and healthy and then obviously I want to play Round 1 next year and help North Melbourne win a premiership.”
Cannons coach Ross Smith said Taylor’s prowess up forward and in midfield would serve North Melbourne well for years to come.
“He’s a good clearance player, he’s got good clean hands,” Smith said.
“He can certainly take a mark and he’s a reasonable kick at goal as well.”
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