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Geelong first-year backman Harry Taylor admits those tipping him as the weak link in a formidable Cats’ defence during the AFL finals had some logic on their side.
But observers seeking a chink in the Cats’ armour might need to look elsewhere after the 22-year-old’s superb job on St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt in Geelong’s comfortable 58-point qualifying final win at the MCG.
Riewoldt’s only scoring shot was a goal in the last quarter, by which stage his side was 70 points down, with Taylor gathering 23 disposals compared to Riewoldt’s nine for the match.
Taylor had plenty of help from his more experienced defensive colleagues, not to mention the enormous pressure applied by the Cats further upfield.
But he is unlikely to face a much bigger test than that posed by the Saints star, given Riewoldt entered the finals as probably the form key forward in the competition.
Taylor said having successfully performed such a big job in his first final would boost his confidence, but the advice of teammates meant he went into the game mentally prepared.
“I got some great advice during the week about staying relaxed and keeping poised and focussed, I just went in with that mindset and just tried to play on instinct,” he said.
“I’ve been playing this game for a fair while now and finals is not a different game, it’s probably hyped up to be, but in reality it’s exactly the same, so that’s the way I approached it.”
Taylor said he had been aware of speculation that his inexperience might make him the one vulnerable point in a Cats’ defence boasting the likes of Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn and Tom Harley.
“It’s probably a fair point in a way, because I am a new player down there and the other guys have played a lot more than me,” he said.
“I guess it is the truth in a way, but I’m definitely not going to let that sort of stuff get to me, I just go out and try to play my role for the team each week.”
Coach Mark Thompson said the teamwork of the Cats’ defensive unit was vital.
“I know he’s been open and he’s had a bit of personal criticism, some people see that’s a bit of a weakness in Geelong,” Thompson said.
“But we’ve been really supportive of him, he played a terrific game individually and I thought he got amazing help from his teammates.”
After playing WAFL football last year, before being picked up by the Cats as a mature age draftee, Taylor admits it still amazes him that he is playing finals with the AFL premiership favourites.
“Twelve months ago at this stage I probably would have been studying for my physio exams and finished my WAFL year and just sort of relaxing as much as I could,” he said.
“To look 12 months (further on) now and be playing in a preliminary final is really pinch yourself sort of stuff for sure.”
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