Geelong premiership defender Harry Taylor signs with NTFL club Southern Districts
Southern Districts’ premiership odds have shortened after the Crocodiles secured the services of dual Geelong premiership backman Harry Taylor
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THE AFL invasion has continued in the NTFL season with two-time Geelong premiership defender Harry Taylor set to play for Southern Districts next week.
The 35-year-old big marking, long kicking defender will make his NTFL debut against Wanderers at Norbuilt Oval in Fred’s Pass on October 30.
A 280-game player with Geelong in his 13 seasons at the Cattery, Taylor’s marking across half back and ability to play forward made him a valuable player in the club’s golden era.
Districts coach Matt Cannard wants Taylor to qualify for this season’s Premier League finals, meaning he must play at least four games.
“It’s something he will have to work around with his workload and other stuff, but Harry’s keen to give something back to grassroots football and we’re very happy to have him at Districts,’’ Cannard said.
“Having a player of his calibre running around with our local blokes on our home ground should create a lot of interest and hopefully get a few more fans through the gates.
“We’re hoping to get three or four (games) out of him before Christmas and reassess after that.’’
Cannard’s friendship with former Cat James Kelly has brought Taylor to Darwin.
Back with Geelong as an assistant coach, Kelly tied up all the loose ends needed to get the 195cm (6ft 5in) Taylor to Fred’s Pass.
“I’m good mates with Kell and he made the necessary phone calls to get us in touch with Harry,’’ Cannard said.
“Obviously this is something Harry wants to do after retiring from the AFL (in 2020) and the connection he’s got with Kell helped us out big time.’’
Cannard expects Taylor to play his customary role down back with occasional forays into the forward line.
“Harry’s pretty flexible, he won’t be too concerned where he plays as long as he’s back playing grassroots footy again.
“He’s been playing forward at his home club Northampton over in the west where he’s kicked a bag of goals over there.’’
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