Champion Geelong defender Harry Taylor announced his retirement on Saturday after a 280-game career including two premierships and two All-Australian honours.
“I want to say thank you for your fiercely loyal support,” Taylor said in a letter to Cats’ members.
“I limped into the Geelong Football Club bright-eyed and determined back in 2007 and limp off 4723 days later in 2020 proud that I have given my absolute best to our great club.
“The one-on-one contests, the ice baths, the heart-breaking losses and the unbelievable victories at home or far away.
“I have tried to prepare as well as possible for every battle. You have been there with me through it all.
“I would have loved to have helped our great club win more games and more premierships but I leave having fully committed to … the values of our organisation.
“I hope you have enjoyed laughing, yelling, crying, and moving your head both horizontally and vertically with me and at me over the past 13 years. It’s been one hell of a ride.”
Along with regularly shutting down the AFL’s top key forwards, Taylor was one of the league’s best intercept markers and pivotal in providing run off half-back for the Cats.
Taylor could be dangerous up forward too, kicking 75 career goals including a six-goal haul against GWS in 2012.
While fellow defender Matthew Scarlett kicked the famous toe-poke in the 2009 grand final, it was Taylor who kept St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt to just one goal and 13 disposals.
Taylor’s mark on the back flank in the dying seconds when the Cats were up by just six points all but clinched the premiership.
Amid his success, Taylor is the first to admit to his ungainly gait and playing style.
“I didn’t move like the most graceful looking footballer, nor did I subscribe to the AFL player stereotype,” he said.
Teammates know Taylor as a strange Cat with an avid interest in World War II and sipping cognac, and a preference for drinking milk post-game.
But despite his uniqueness, Taylor was among the most respected players at the Cats for his loyalty, honesty, dedication and integrity.
“I am unique but I have always just done what I think works best to help my teammates and the Geelong Football Club,” he said.
“I strive to be a man of my word. Integrity and authenticity guide my path forward.”
Geelong’s football general manager Simon Lloyd congratulated Taylor on being an incredible player for long period of time.
“In typical fashion, Harry wants a low-key retirement announcement and we respect his wishes,” Lloyd said.
“He will be missed around the club and we wish Harry, Michelle, James, Isabel and Abigail well in whatever the future holds.”
Taylor has played the fourth most finals in AFL (31) and the ninth most games for Geelong.
