GRAMPIANS Giant Matt Taylor has received All Australian honours following impressive performances at the Football Integration Development Association national championships.
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There were 14 players picked for the All-Australian team and Taylor was one of two emergencies selected.
The selection is more impressive given Taylor is still only 16 years old playing in an open championship.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly all abilities manager Matt Berry said it was good for Taylor to receive the recognition.
“He is an impressive young player and was among the best players in the Vic Country side three out of the five games,” he said.
Taylor started the week playing fullback before being moved up the ground and through the midfield in order for the side to get the best out of his skills.
As well as playing with the Grampians Giants in the Football Integration Development Association’s western conference, Taylor plays for the Ararat Eagles.
In the Eagles 2016 season, Taylor played in the under-16.5 competition, reserves and even made his debut for the seniors in round 13 against Woorndoo-Mortlake.
Berry said Taylor was one of the few players who could hold his own in the regular leagues as well.
“His strengths are his speed and his long right boot - that holds him in good stead,” Berry said.
“He’s very athletic for his size and because he’s played a lot of footy he’s got a calm head on his shoulders.
“He reads the play well and understands what to do in most situations.”
On the field for the Giants, Taylor talks a lot and is one of the side’s leaders.
Berry said Taylor recognised that he was one of the stronger players and picked the right moments to take the game on.
“He understands the capabilities of the guys around him,” he said.
“He’s encouraging to those with limited ability and he tries to lift the players that he knows can do better.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him develop further.
“He’ll be a walk-up starter in the Vic Country side for years to come.”
He’ll be a walk-up starter in the Vic Country side for years to come.
- Matt Berry
This year was the first time a Vic Country side competed at the championships.
The side’s inclusion comes on the back of the western conference’s first season, signalling that there is enough talented players to pick from to justify a team.
