Posted on 27 November, 2009
Taylor returns for his 16th year in the SEABL and is scheduled to play his 400th game with the Club early in the Season. He will become just the second player and third individual of the SEABL 400 Club. Eric Hayes (487 games with Ballarat) and Bill Runchey (568 games as Coach of Frankston) are the only current members.
Averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds per game Taylor came off the bench in 2009 and helped the Swinburne Cobras reach the SEABL Preliminary Final against 2009 League Champions Knox.
Also returning for the Swinburne Cobras will be Matt Shanahan who will fill the joint role of player and second Assistant to Head Coach Grant Wallace.
Shanahan returned to Kilsyth as a player in 2009 after coaching stints with Ballarat and Waverley and will return to the floor after averaging 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assist per game in 2009.
Wallace will call upon his experienced veterans in 2010 to help guide the youthful group. “We have gone through some changes during the off-season and promoted some of our quality younger players. As we strive to prepare these players for the next generation it is crucial to have veteran leadership and experience to guide the way.
“DJ and Matt return a wealth of experience and are both willingly to share that experience with our younger guys and help prepare them for the rigors of the SEABL,” said Wallace.
Taylor spoke of the honour of returning in 2010 to play his 400th game in the League with Kilsyth. “Seeing that I only suited up for two games in my first season, I never thought I would have played for this long. Having played against so many great players over the years it will be a huge honour to reach this milestone.”
“I played for Kilsyth as a junior and always wanted to play SEABL, this Club has been a big part of my life, and the supporters are the most loyal in the League.”
“Next year’s team will be a new look outfit, the additions to the team will bring a different style of game. I think that the supporters should be excited by the mix of youth and experience and I hope I can contribute towards earning a home final and mentoring the younger players,” concluded Taylor
The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras plan to announce their completed 2010 Season roster in the coming weeks.
2010 Season Membership and Player Sponsorship packages will be available shortly. Stay tuned to www.cobras.net.au for further information on the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras.