AFL’s Cal Twomey Names HAD Star Xav Taylor as Top Prospect in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.
Cal Twomey, AFL.com.au's Lead Football, Draft and Trade Journalist and one of the best news breakers in footy has released his Top Draft prospect ranking one week out from the 2025 Telstra National Draft.
HAD Client Xav Taylor is predicted to go with the 7th pick of the draft to either Richmond, Essendon, or Melbourne.
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Xavier Taylor
State: Victoria
State League Club: Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 30/01/2007
Height: 192cm
With some swagger, a smirk and a glint in the eye, Taylor plays the game on the edge. He flies for his marks at half-back, he loves to intercept the play and then when he has the ball in his hands he goes for his kicks. Taylor had a magnificent end to his season, being judged best on ground in Eastern's under-18 Grand Final win over Sandringham with 25 disposals and 15 marks. Think a Nick Vlastuin type with some Josh Weddle elements as an attacking tall defender who can play on a range of forwards.
Where does he go? Taylor is right in mix for Richmond, Essendon and Melbourne as those clubs all circle a similar batch of players. The hard-edge appeal to his game makes him a top-10 talent and he was one of the first 12 players invited to night one of the draft.
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