After a persistent groin injury restricted the talented 20-year-old to just two AFL appearances during his debut season in 2011, Taylor managed eight games in 2012 despite a niggling quad injury hampering much his season.
A week out from the season opener the Geelong junior believes his injuries woes are behind him, telling goldcoastfc.com.au he’s fit and raring to play football with the benefit of a third pre-season under his belt.
“I am certainly in high spirits after this summer,” said Taylor.
“We’ve found that the advanced training program by Schwerdt and Paul Hainse (Head Fitness Coach) has increased our aerobic and fitness capacity, which has definitely helped us build a strong base heading into the premiership season.”
However, the 191cm defensive talent is fully aware he’ll need a string of solid performances through the NEAFL competition if he is to push his case for senior selection this year.
“You don’t want to put a number on how many games you want to play because there are other factors like injuries and opposition match-ups, but the goal for most players is to play as many AFL games as possible,” Taylor said.
“Given the competition for spots at the moment, I’ll need to put together a few consistent games for the Reserves at the NEAFL level if I am to put myself in a position for a return to the AFL action.”
GC SUNS reserves coach Shaun Hart believes Taylors focus on improving offensive repertoire would make it difficult for the SUNS match committee to ignore him.
Despite finishing the GC SUNS gruelling pre-season campaign among the elite runners at the club, Hart believes a more aggressive mentality will see Jeremy take his game to another level.
“There’s no question that his ability to compete across the half-back and deny his opponent time and space are his greatest strengths,” said Hart.
“But the next part of his game he needs to improve, is making good decisions and executing well through the middle of the ground – which we’ve seen from Jeremy in the last couple of weeks at the NEAFL level.”
Hart believes Taylor has the potential to elevate himself to the same level as Geelong’s premiership defenders Corey Enright and Joel Corey.
“He certainly has the potential to be in the same mix as the Corey Enrights and the Joel Coreys, who have both learnt to be great decision makers in the defensive-half over time,” Hart said.
‘They learnt to be role players and ultimately large contributors to their success over the years… I’m confident Taylor can do the same for our club and be that same role player to help the SUNS reach premiership success.”
