Australian Football

Zane Taylor was one of the greatest Queensland footballers of his generation, from the late 1970s through to the early 1990s, and the official record-holder of most games for Queensland at 26. A fearless midfielder cum half back flanker, he joined Southport from Footscray as a 17-year-old in 1974 and played 200 games with the club, including during its time in the Gold Coast League. He played in a staggering 16 senior and reserve grade Grand Finals in 16 years between 1975 and 1990 – missing out altogether in 1984 but playing in two Grand Finals in 1978, first with Southport, and then with Windsor-Zillmere in the QAFL decider after securing a special permit to play.

Taylor had a stint at Geelong, playing 27 VFL games between 1980 and 1983 and appeared in three consecutive VFL Reserves Grand Finals in 1980, 1981, and 1982. He returned to Southport during the 1983 season but still managed to tie for the Grogan Medal that year with teammate Peter Guy and Sherwood’s Bill Peirce only to be ruled ineligible due to a controversial report from a goal umpire. He compensated by winning the QAFLs top award in 1985. He also won the Joe Grant Medal in 1983 and 1990, four Best and Fairest awards with the Sharks, and was captain of three premiership sides.

So highly regarded was Taylor as a State team captain and performer that the 'Zane Taylor Medal' is now awarded to the best Queensland player in interstate matches.

Author - Murray Bird and Peter Blucher