Eastern Ranges defender Xavier Taylor entered 2025 known as a shrewd interceptor, a player capable of reading the ball early, cutting the angles, peeling off his man and backing himself to take marks. He finishes the season as a complete defender.
Having played on small forwards such as Wes Walley and Hussien El Achkar, and taller types including Mitch Marsh and Max King, quelling their goalkicking and presence, he's proven he's an excellent lockdown player.
Taylor has the athleticism to stick with the smalls and strength and aerial capacity to play on those slightly taller. Crucially, though, he's been able to turn himself into a hybrid defender.
Alongside his intercepting and lockdown ability, he can provide offensive dash when he gets the footy. He has composure when the ball hits the deck and ultra clean hands, so he can straight line the footy, power through a pack and set up dangerous transition play.
If there is an area that's questioned, it's his kicking, but that is viewed as something which can be rectified. His overall firepower and flair have been the big lift in Taylor's game in 2025.
So where does he land in the draft? Some have him in the top 10, some will tell you he's the best openly available defender in this year's draft class, ao meteoric has his rise been through the 2025 season, having started the year as a relatively unknown name.
His ability to play taller than he is may come into play for a club seeking a marking defender given there is a scarcity of genuine key backs in this class outside of Carlton-tied tall Harry Dean.
He has athleticism, the confidence to fly, and the capacity to counterattack when he gets the footy, looming as an excitement machine for a club seeking a hybrid defender.
| 8 RANK | | Xavier Taylor Eastern Ranges Defender HEIGHT: 191cm | â–¶+ |
Strengths
Intercepting
Marking
Speed
Draft Range
Pick 10-20
Potential Landing Spots
Sydney (Pick 9)
Western Bulldogs (Pick 10)
Geelong (Pick 18)
West Coast (Pick 19)
