Australian Football

Originally from Mandurah in Western Australia, full forward Brian Taylor was recruited by Richmond without ever having played league football in his home state. Usually referred to either as 'Barge', owing to his formidable 191 cm, 91 kg frame, or 'BT', he was signally unfortunate in that the Tigers already had a top quality full forward in Michael Roach who remained ahead of him in the pecking order throughout his five-season stint at Punt Road.

Between 1980 and 1984 Taylor played just 43 senior games, kicking 156 goals. He was not selected in either of Richmond's Grand Final teams (in 1980 and 1982) during that period. He did, however, manage to top the Tigers' goal-kicking list with 61 goals in his last season with the club.

In 1985, Taylor crossed to Collingwood, where for a time he became something of a cult hero. He played 97 games in six seasons with the Magpies, heading their goal kicking list every year but the last. His tally of precisely 100 goals in 1986 made him the VFL's top goal kicker that year, and overall he kicked 371 goals for Collingwood. In 1986 West Australian football fans at Subiaco Oval were presented with the farcical sight of Taylor lining up for Victoria against his home state in a so-called 'state of origin' match. He performed well, too, but his tally of 4.2 for the match was not enough to get the Victorians over the line as the home state won by three points.

A combination of knee problems and coach Leigh Matthews' desire to operate with a more mobile forward line limited Taylor's senior appearances in 1990, a season which ultimately saw the Magpies win the premiership. Taylor left the club at the end of that season - somewhat acrimoniously, it must be said - and took up the role of playing coach at Prahran in the VFA. In 1992 he led the side to a third-place finish, its best result for many years. He also continued to perform well as a player, kicking 16 goals - a personal record - in one match against Oakleigh.

Taylor has since gone on to forge a highly successful media career as a football commentator for radio and television.

Author - John Devaney