Australian Football

Despite suffering numerous injury woes, and even being de-listed at one point, Richard Taylor was an important and highly effective player for Hawthorn during a generally somewhat dismal period for the club. A rover who could also play well on a wing or half forward flank, he debuted with the Hawks in 1992 and had played 112 AFL games and kicked 46 goals for them by the time he crossed to West Coast. The aforementioned de-listing saw him miss the whole 1994 season, but after being re-signed he produced some of the best football of his career. In 1999, for example, he ran second in the club best and fairest count, a career best achievement.

Renowned for his aggressive approach, epitomised by ferocious tackling, Taylor rounded off his league career with two solid seasons for West Coast during which he added a final 28 games and 11 goals to his respective career tallies.

Author - John Devaney