XAVIER Taylor is one of many star individuals in the Eastern Ranges’ premiership lineup, but was quick to credit “team footy” after his best afield performance in Saturday’s Grand Final. Among five likely first round draftees from the same region, Taylor rolled off the names of several contributors post-match.

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“There’s a few of them,” he said. “It was a group win, but Sully Robey comes to mind. Lachy Dovaston, Josiah Landy, Ollie Greeves. There’s so many more I’m probably forgetting but it was a team win and I’m just so happy, super proud of the boys. We got it done.”

The 191cm defender bolstered his top 10 credentials in a dominant aerial display, clunking 15 marks among 25 disposals. When quizzed on the secret to his and many Ranges’ steep ascent this year, Taylor again reverted back to the team aspect.

“Just playing that team footy, everyone kind of thrives from that,” he maintained. “We’ve had a few bolters this year and it’s awesome just to come off that team footy with everyone playing well.”

The Ranges knocked off Sandringham in a high-octane decider, denying the Dragons a record-equalling fourth consecutive premiership. Taylor had been teammates with many of his weekend opponents in this year’s Vic Metro side, which made the victory all the more sweet.

“Talking to them during the week and that, there’s a bit of banter and it was good to knock them off,” he said. “After three, we didn’t want to let them go for four.”

With his junior footballing career now complete, Taylor is turning his attention to next month’s National Draft Combine. He is one of 66 players set to attend the event, including four Eastern teammates. After that, a well earned break is in the offing before draft night.

“I’m going to try and book a holiday for just before the draft, to kind of have a bit of a reset,” he said. “But now I’m just getting ready for the combine, so it should be good.”