Demons lock away super recruiter
MELBOURNE super recruiter Jason Taylor is off limits to rivals after signing a new deal to stay at the Demons.
The man who hand-picked most of Melbourne’s list at the draft and is now considered one of the top talent-spotters in the game has inked a fresh fouryear contract extension.
Senior Melbourne officials are thrilled with Taylor’s nofuss re-signing, as the Demons shoot for their first premiership in 57 years in next Saturday’s grand final.
The Demons’ list is in a sweet spot that could keep the club in premiership contention for the next five years, with star midfielders Clayton Oliver, 24, and Christian Petracca, 25, in their prime.
Taylor, who shifted from Collingwood in 2012, was certain to be targeted by rivals after a stunning run at the draft that has delivered Melbourne a Rolls-Royce playing list.
The eagle-eyed spotter and former refrigeration engineer got his first chance working for legendary recruiter John Beveridge at St Kilda and then, in a chance encounter, met Magpies’ list boss Derek Hine when Taylor installed an air conditioner at his house.
Taylor played a small role helping build Collingwood’s 2010 premiership team and has excelled at Melbourne in recent times, nailing a slew of early picks including Rising Star winner Luke Jackson (pick No.3) excitement machine Kysaiah Pickett (No.13) and half-back Trent Rivers (No.32) .
And despite fears about the Covid-19 impacts on last year’s draft crop, Taylor unearthed super-clean Caleb Daniel clone Jake Bowey, who will keep his spot for the grand final, with the club’s first pick at No.21.
Taylor also selected leading goal-kicker Bayley Fritsch with the No.31 selection Melbourne secured in exchange for Jack Watts, midfielder James Jordon (No.33), speedster Jayden Hunt (No.57) and James Harmes.
His ability to unearth gems with the middle-round and late picks has been hailed by his peers as his biggest success, after hitting the jackpot with first-rounders Oliver (No.4), Petracca (No.2), Angus Brayshaw (No.3) and Christian Salem (No.9)