Xavier Taylor
Xavier Taylor (born 30 January 2007) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
He was selected by Melbourne with pick No. 11 in the 2025 AFL National Draft.
Taylor made his AFL debut in Rd 6 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, against the reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions, on the 19th of April 2026 at the MCG.
With Melbourne defeating Brisbane in a thrilling 2 point win. Taylor describing his debut as “surreal[1]” in a post match interview with SEN.
| Xavier Taylor | |||
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Xavier Taylor | ||
| Date of birth | January 30, 2007 | ||
| Draft | No. 11, 2025 national draft | ||
| Debut | Rd 6 vs Brisbane 19 April 2026, Melbourne | ||
| Height | 192 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lb) | ||
| Position(s) | Hybrid Defender | ||
| Playing career | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2026– | Melbourne | ||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Search Xavier Taylor on Amazon.
Early life
Taylor grew up in the Eastern suburbs of Victoria, Australia, and is the eldest of 3 children to his parents Cameron and Candice.
Taylor attended a Mooroolbark East Primary School graduating in 2018 and going on to attend high school at Melba College until year 11.
Taylor was accepted in the Sporting Academy Football program at Rowville Secondary College in 2023 after an impressive junior development series for Vic Metro in 2023.
Taylor joined esteem alumni from Rowville Sporting Academy including, Lachy Dovaston, Cooper Hynes, Nick Watson, Caleb Windsor under head coach Darren Bewick.
Taylor turned down an opportunity at a private school scholarship in his final year of secondary education, stating he wasn’t the “private school type”.[2]
Junior career
Taylor played all of his junior football with the East Ringwood Football Club, wearing the number 9 throughout his career, significant for being a family number within the club, as worn by his father, mother and siblings[3].
Taylor was selected to represent East Ringwood in the 2022 AFL Junior Development Interleague Series where he won the best afield medal.
Taylor went on to train with the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League in the summer hub, eventually selected as a lock down defender as a bottom age player in 2024, wearing number 38.
In his draft year, Taylor developed as a key defender with the Eastern Ranges in 2025, where he impressed with his intercept marking and athleticism, averaging approximately 18 disposals and six marks per game in the number 22 guernsey.[4]
Capping of an impressive draft campaign, Taylor was named best on ground in the Coates Talent League Grand Final, finishing with 25 disposals and 15 marks.
Taylor also represented Vic Metro at the AFL Under-18 National Championships, where he played consistently across all 4 carnival matches.
AFL career
2026 season
Taylor was selected by the Melbourne Football Club with pick No. 11 in the 2025 AFL National Draft.
He made his AFL debut round 6 of the 2026 AFL Toyota Premiership Season. Taylor had 5 disposals, 5 Tackles and 2 kicks, showing glimpses of his versatility.
Taylor’s second game in round 7 during the ANZAC Eve clash against Richmond Football Club at the MCG, saw Taylor shine more confidence on his ability with 10 disposals, 3 kicks and an intercept mark against key forward Tom Lynch.
Playing style
Taylor is a versatile tall defender known for his aerial ability, composure, ability to read the play and his competitiveness. He is capable of intercept marking and rebounding from defence, and can match up on both tall and smaller forwards.[5]
Personal Life
Taylor has often referred to his family as being a big part of his life, being one of 14 grandchildren on his fathers side, and very close with his cousins.
References
- ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ "No Cookies". Code Sports.
- ↑ "ERJFC Congratulates Xavier and the Taylor Family". Facebook. 16-04-2026. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ "Xavier Taylor Draft Profile". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ Ralphsmith, Jonty (2025-09-14). "AFL Draft Profile: Xavier Taylor - Potential Landing Spots, Draft Range, Strengths". Zero Hanger. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
https://www.melbournefc.com.au/players/12318/xavier-taylor
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/xavier-taylor/
https://www.zerohanger.com/afl-draft-profile-xavier-taylor-168476/
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