Elijah Taylor hopes to play in VFL with Sandringham in 2021

Dumped Swan Elijah Taylor is looking to make a return to top-tier footy through the VFL – but should the teenager be given another chance?

Sydney's Elijah Taylor during the AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Delisted former Swan Elijah Taylor still plans to reboot his football career in Victoria next year in a bid to one day return to the AFL.

Taylor’s ability to play four senior games for Sydney in his debut season this year was overshadowed by his COVID-19 breach, subsequent lengthy suspension, then his assault charge on his ex-girlfriend.

The 19-year-old was granted a spent conviction and fined $5000 for the latter, with the Swans cutting ties with him the same week – but Taylor has not given up on his AFL dream.

Taylor will relocate from Perth to Melbourne in the New Year, but is yet to lock in a VFL club despite some preliminary discussions with multiple options.

His preference is understood to be Sandringham, where his cousin Alan Narkle is set to audition.

Former Swan Elijah Taylor outside Perth Magistrates Court. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The Zebras are affiliated with St Kilda, and Taylor also knows star Saint Bradley Hill.

However, it is already fairly late in the recruiting process, so there is no certainty he will land at Sandringham.

Taylor has rich football bloodlines on both his mother’s and father’s side, including Lance Franklin, Nicky Winmar, Paddy Ryder, the Kicketts, Tim Kelly and Quinton Narkle.

Taylor’s agent, Tom Seccull, of Hemisphere Management Group, said after the court’s decision this month that his client still hoped to play again at the elite level.

Elijah Taylor was delisted by Sydney after being charged with assault.

“He has apologised unreservedly for the hurt his actions have caused,” Seccull said at the time.

“Elijah is extremely remorseful and he will continue to take the necessary steps forward in order to learn from this experience.

“He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided to him by the Sydney Swans and has indicated his desire to return to AFL football in the future.”