69. Taylor Duryea

Height: 179cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 24/04/91
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Bio: Medium forward whose overhead ability belies his height. Quick, agile and athletic with the abilty to go through the middle. Foot skills are supreme whether it be delivering inside 50 or kicking for goal. His 2.94 sec 20m was very good at Victorian screening.

Watch Taylor Duryea in action

In his own words
What type of player are you?
I’m a versatile player. I’m an attacking player and back myself in one-on-one contests. My marking ability makes me useful as a forward and I use my kick well when in the midfield or across half back.

Which AFL player do you most resemble and why?
In a way I’m like Jason Porplyzia in that he often plays forward as a target that can jump and take a strong mark. He also has the ability to push up into the midfield and create play from there.

What are your strengths as a footballer?
My kicking is my No.1 strength and something I pride myself on, but something I’m also rather critical of. Another strength is my ability to play above my height by taking strong contested marks.

What parts of your game would you like to improve?
I would like to improve my fitness levels and in turn lift my workrate to get to more contests. I’d also like to become cleaner over the ball when in close and tight.

Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
I barrack for St Kilda and have done for my whole life. This is due to my father’s influence.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far and why?
My cousin, Paul Duryea, was my junior coach who pushed me to develop. Also my step dad, Ian Rogers, has taught me a lot about the game and is a great support.