Australian Football

Pacy, strong and versatile, Jim Taylor was a superb player for South Melbourne in 153 VFL games between 1949 and 1954 and from 1956 to 1961. In between he spent a season with Norwood where he played 13 SANFL games, including the losing Grand Final against Port Adelaide, when he was the Redlegs' best player. With South he played mostly as a ruckman or centre half back, although he could turn his hand to most positions when needed. 

Originally from amateur club Caulfield Grammarians, he had a tremendous leap and was unusually nimble for a big man. He won the Southerners' best and fairest award in 1953 and 1957. His 13 interstate appearances for the VFL included games at the 1961 Brisbane carnival. He also played four interstate matches for South Australia.

Author - John Devaney