Eastern RangesEastern RangesTall Defender

#22

Xavier Taylor

height: 191cm

weight:

D.O.B: 30-01-2007

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys

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SNAPSHOT: “A relentlessly determined defender with the athleticism to lock down smalls, and the aerial ability to compete with talls.” – Michael Alvaro

Xavier Taylor has made an impressive ascent up draft boards this year. From being a solid, relatively unknown lockdown type in his bottom-age season, the Eastern Ranges star ended his top-age campaign as a top 10 talent. The 18-year-old made 31 appearances across a consistent two-year career with the Ranges, while also moving up to represent Vic Metro at Under 16, 17 and 18 levels.

Taylor hardly missed a beat in 2025. He was central to Eastern’s Coates Talent League premiership success, helping form the backbone of a side which boasts five likely first round draftees. They say defence wins premierships and Taylor has proven a prime example of that, taking out best on ground honours in the successful Grand Final to cap off his stellar season.

He couldn’t repeat the feat with Vic Metro, but was the side’s best and most reliable backman – somehow missing All-Australian selection. In a draft crop which is not particularly blessed with tall defensive talent, Taylor’s name stands out even more. He is the best pure defender available in the open pool and arguably ranks among the top five overall players not tied to clubs.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Athleticism
+ Competitiveness
+ Consistency
+ Defensive versatility
+ Intercepting

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Kicking

Taylor's well-roundedness is a hallmark of his profile. He sets himself apart in so many ways, primarily with a dogged defensive attitude and the ability to nullify all kinds of opponents. His strength, reading of the play and aerial nous lend to competing with taller players, while his speed and mobility hold up against smaller types. But Taylor is more than just a lockdown defender, and has added genuine weapons to his game.

As the season progressed he got to peel off and become a star interceptor, or roam as a dangerous rebounder - or both. He was able to flick the switch from defence to attack smoother than anyone, forming a high line in the back half and getting into position to cut the ball off. With a 20m sprint time of under three seconds, it's no wonder he gets to each contest so quickly, proving difficult to beat in the air and at ground level.

From there, Taylor is often seen carving his way forward on the counterattack with deceptively good agility. He sets the wheels in motion, utilising his defensive skills to facilitate his attacking traits. Although, an area he has been working on is his decision making and composure. Taylor can sometimes have rushes of blood and risks turning the ball over with his ball use, but showed marked improvement efficiency-wise by season's end.

On the flip-side, there has been no questioning his endeavour throughout the season. Eastern played in nine games decided by a goal or less this year, winning six of them, and Taylor's consistency was central to his side's sustained success. Even in a thumping at the hands of South Australia while playing for Vic Metro, he fought hard to the end despite the one-sided scoreline. He's the kind of player you want on your team, and team orientation is a big part of his mantra. He just keeps on turning up.

DRAFT RANGE: 5-10

SUMMARY:

As outlined, Taylor will be in high demand given his relative niche in the crop as a genuinely top-end tall defender. His sheer depth of traits and outstanding versatility will appeal to clubs searching for a ‘Mr Fix It’ of sorts. There’s not much he can’t do. While club-tied talent will be littered throughout the top 10, Taylor is arguably the fourth or fifth-best prospect available in the open pool and should be snapped up fairly early. A club like Essendon has two – potentially three – picks right in that hitting zone.

AFL U18 Championships

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2025Vic Metro322860182036802114048.07.015.04.50.02.00.057
Total-322860182036802114048.07.015.04.50.02.00.057

Coates Talent League Boys

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2024Eastern Ranges10796200740041508430157.16.413.34.90.32.70.053
2025Eastern Ranges1361502869490191431617530168.59.417.95.90.12.70.069
Total-24324648616890191846625960317.87.915.75.40.22.70.0122
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