It's good to bring Lewis Taylor into the club as we farewell Zak Jones. They were both from the 2013 AFL draft and have roughly 100 games under their belt (Lewy a bit more, Zak a little less). They were both touted as high picks and, ultimately, we took Zak at 15 and the Lions took Taylor at 28 (which was considered a steal). It has been mentioned a number of times on RWO that Taylor was the 2014 Rising Star, ahead of Marcus Bontempelli, living up to his pre-draft hype (he had been captain of Vic Country). It seems the main knock on Lewy may have been his height (at about 173 cm, similar to Boomer Harvey who was a childhood idol of Taylor's).

Taylor has been valued for his leadership ability (evident in him being nominated captain of Vic Country) and faced criminal charges (for alleged vandalism in Mortlake in late 2015).

It's unclear what role the club sees for Taylor going forward. I have read that he has "elite endurance" but, also, conversely, that his tank is his weakness, limiting him to a small forward role, possibly pinch hitting in the midfield. One report says the Lions were planning to play him on a wing this season finished which suggests he must have pretty good endurance. I don't know where the truth lies but Swans media have claimed that we added depth to our midfield this trade period and Taylor was the only player we traded in, so perhaps that indicates the role they have discussed Taylor playing. I would think that, subject to him having a good pre-season, he will be in the starting 22 or else he probably wouldn't have agreed to come and we probably wouldn't have offered him a 3 year deal (no doubt on decent coin).

I add a couple of links to articles about Taylor:

Cal Twomey ranked him the 11th best player of his draft and said "Taylor is as good as any midfielders around him. He's a powerful, pacy accumulator, who is always busy at the stoppages, digging in or getting on the outside and bolting off. Taylor is a leader, he was captain of Vic Country this year and has captained most teams through his youth, and people warm to him. His height (174cm) will put some off but Taylor is a strong kick, adds dash and plays with enthusiasm." And here is a more in-depth preview with video interview and junior playing footage: Nine days to the draft: Meet gun prospect Lewis Taylor - AFL.com.au. Twomey mentions that the Swans might have been interested in Taylor and Taylor mentioned that he enjoyed working with Micky O and Tadhg Kennelly as coaches at the AIS. If he hadn't been taken at 28, I wonder if we would have taken him at 32 instead of George Hewett.

Article from the Lions celebrating Taylor's first 100 games last year: Lewy's road to 100 - lions.com.au

What expectations do you have for the role Taylor will play and how he will go? I confess I am hopeful but my expectations are low. He is definitely a worthwhile signing but doesn't seem an adequate replacement for Jones, although his role will be different and more more forward half than defensive half oriented I imagine.