Sport
7 December, 2022
Taylor returns to Bloods
FORMER AFL player Lewy Taylor will return to the Bloods for season 2023 as both a player and assistant senior coach.
FORMER AFL player Lewy Taylor will return to the Bloods for season 2023 as both a player and assistant senior coach.
The talented midfielder played his junior footy for Terang Mortlake, along with a handful of senior games, before being picked up by the Brisbane Lions in the 2013 AFL draft.
The Lions recruited Taylor from the Geelong Falcons with pick 28 and he fired from the start, playing all 22 games on his way to claiming the 2014 AFL Rising Star award.
The 27-year-old Mortlake local played 124 games for the Lions and the Sydney Swans during his AFL career.
Taylor landed at the Swans in 2020 after six seasons with the Lions.
The speedy forward booted 88 goals in 112 AFL games in the Lions colours.
Speaking with Western District Newspapers yesterday (Wednesday) Taylor said he was “stoked” to be back at his home club.
“I’m excited to be back at the club and to be playing alongside some of my mates (the likes of Dylan Jones, Joey Arundell and Gus Bourke) once again,” he said.
“I’ve been following them while I’ve been away and have ducked in for abit of a catch up each time I’ve come home so it’ll be good to get back out there.”
“They’ve obviously got quite a few young blokes in the side now and they seem to be progressing well. They finished the season strongly and we’ll be working to develop them further next season.”
Taylor is also excited about his assistant coach role, and is keen to offer all he can to the side.
“I did quite a few coaching courses while I was in Sydney and I hope to be able to offer something and help out whenever and wherever I can,” he said.
“Ben (Kenna) is a great bloke and I’m looking forward to working with him too.”
Taylor’s return to the Bloods is welcome news for the Hampden League club, which finished eighth in season 2022 with six wins to its name.
Bloods president Joel Crawley said he was “thrilled” to have Taylor back at the club.
“Lewy is not only a great footballer, he’s a great bloke and we’re excited to have him back at the Bloods,” Crawley said.
“A lot of his good mates still play with us so I’m sure he’s excited to be back playing alongside them once again. And as assistant coach to Ben Kenna he will provide some valuable experience and knowledge both on and off the ground.”
Taylor had his first training session back with the Bloods last night (Wednesday).
“We’ll train up until the end of next week and then break for Christmas before returning early January,” Crawley said.
“Season 2023 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting one for our club.”
