General News
9 September, 2021
Taylor claims Swans’ VFL Player of the Year
TERANG Mortlake export Lewis Taylor’s strong VFL season was rewarded last week.
TERANG Mortlake export Lewis Taylor’s strong VFL season was rewarded last week.
The 26 year-old was named the Sydney Swans VFL Player of the Year at the club’s Bob Skilton Medal ceremony.
It was a nice finish to what has been a challenging 2021 season, with Taylor spending the majority of the year in the state league competition.
He managed just two AFL games – in rounds 11 and 13 – but was dominant in the VFL, averaging 30 touches per game and kicking 10 goals for the season.
Taylor ended up playing eight of the Swans 10 VFL games before the season was postponed and then cancelled in mid-August.
The Swans had earlier struggled after COVID interrupted the season on numerous occasions.
The side was missing its regular squad for large chunks of the season after the club relocated to Brisbane and then Melbourne at the height of New South Wales lockdown.
“It’s obviously had its challenges and what not but the boys had a good year, it was good fun,” Taylor said.
“I’d just like to thank all the coaches involved, they did a great job.”
Swans VFL coach Jeremy Laidler said Taylor was a deserving winner of the award.
“In his third year at the footy club, Lewis was a standout player, dominating in the midfield averaging 30 disposals and a goal each game,” he said.
“He put together the most consistent VFL season, and should be commended on his drive and encouragement of the younger players.”
Taylor is set to see out the final year of a three year contract signed at the end of 2019 at the Swans next season.
He has played 123 AFL games (112 at Brisbane and 11 at Sydney) in his eight year career and won the 2014 AFL Rising Star award.