2025 Draft Watch

[Bulldogs201616]

Thank you Bulldogs201616. He seems like a perfect fit for us especially if we miss on Wilkie.

It is looking very likely we will have to trade down to get Sun's pick 6 to have any chance getting him. but that's the issue.

[Stevo]

Thank you Bulldogs201616. He seems like a perfect fit for us especially if we miss on Wilkie.

[Bulldogs201616]

A few questions
Could he play key position at a pinch or is he more of 3rd tall defender option?
I seem to recall reading that he's a Dale Morris type in the range of opponents he could play on
Is he similar to Cleary, Dale or Sellwood?

"Here is another article I found about him. There isn't any point me trying to pretend Im an expert who has watched all his games I just go off what the pros say."






"Eastern Ranges defender Xavier Taylor entered 2025 known as a shrewd interceptor, a player capable of reading the ball early, cutting the angles, peeling off his man and backing himself to take marks. He finishes the season as a complete defender.




Having played on small forwards such as Wes Walley and Hussien El Achkar, and taller types including Mitch Marsh and Max King, quelling their goalkicking and presence, he's proven he's an excellent lockdown player.

Taylor has the athleticism to stick with the smalls and strength and aerial capacity to play on those slightly taller. Crucially, though, he's been able to turn himself into a hybrid defender.


Alongside his intercepting and lockdown ability, he can provide offensive dash when he gets the footy. He has composure when the ball hits the deck and ultra clean hands, so he can straight line the footy, power through a pack and set up dangerous transition play.

If there is an area that's questioned, it's his kicking, but that is viewed as something which can be rectified. His overall firepower and flair have been the big lift in Taylor's game in 2025.

[Bulldogs201616]

A few questions
Could he play key position at a pinch or is he more of 3rd tall defender option?
I seem to recall reading that he's a Dale Morris type in the range of opponents he could play on
Is he similar to Cleary, Dale or Sellwood?

This is what Cal had to say about him.


"Finished his season with a bang, being named best afield in the Coates Talent League Grand Final after collecting 25 disposals and 15 marks across half-back. Taylor was a key member of Eastern's premiership season throughout the year and shapes as an early selection on draft night. There's a bit of Josh Weddle to Taylor in his attacking mindset and capacity to take the game on and work it out on the go. Taylor is a taller defender who can play on a range of different forwards and he has shut plenty of the dangerous options out of games across this season. At AFL level he could be the type of backman to be used wherever required."

[Stevo]

If we could get Xavier Taylor I'd be all for it. I feel like he has to be our number 1 target and if Essendon don't get a first round compo for Draper then it's a genuine chance to get him with that Sun's pick

A few questions
Could he play key position at a pinch or is he more of 3rd tall defender option?
I seem to recall reading that he's a Dale Morris type in the range of opponents he could play on
Is he similar to Cleary, Dale or Sellwood?

[The Underdog]

Yeah it could come down to the draper compo.

If they end up with a top 10 pick for losing Draper, I’ll vomit. For all of the talk of Father Son’s and Academy picks, ridiculous free agent compo is the worst draft distortion of them all. No first round compo should be a minimum.

[Bulldogs201616]

If Dons go in with 3 picks, I’ll be shocked if they don’t use one on Taylor

Yeah it could come down to the draper compo.

[Willow18]

If we could get Xavier Taylor I'd be all for it. I feel like he has to be our number 1 target and if Essendon don't get a first round compo for Draper then it's a genuine chance to get him with that Sun's pick

If Dons go in with 3 picks, I’ll be shocked if they don’t use one on Taylor

[Bulldogs201616]

Listened to the talk about moving pick 10 to pick 6, really hope if we did it, it would be for Wilkie and not to move up the draft. Outside the academy/FS, I really feel like the guys from about 3-15 are all super close in talent

If we could get Xavier Taylor I'd be all for it. I feel like he has to be our number 1 target and if Essendon don't get a first round compo for Draper then it's a genuine chance to get him with that Sun's pick

[Stevo]

This 11-20 draft ranking is interesting - some good players not in the top 10.

https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com...ankings-11-20/

I'm looking forward to the next installment. I hope you become a regular contributor here.

[Dogs 24/7]

This 11-20 draft ranking is interesting - some good players not in the top 10.

https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com...ankings-11-20/

Thank you for the updates. Are there any other "less known" sites you can recommend for draft coverage?
And by the way, who would you think are good targets for 1str and 2nd selections?

[Willow18]

Listened to the talk about moving pick 10 to pick 6, really hope if we did it, it would be for Wilkie and not to move up the draft. Outside the academy/FS, I really feel like the guys from about 3-15 are all super close in talent

[Willow18]

Geez they’re high on Dalton

[The_Bont]

This 11-20 draft ranking is interesting - some good players not in the top 10.

https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2025/09/24/2025-draft-power-rankings-11-20/

[Bornadog]

He doesn't do a phantom until just before the draft. These are rankings, not where he expects to players to be taken.

ok, corrected