Posted on 2 August, 2010

The Swinburne Cobras begin their 2010 Finals campaign this coming Saturday 7 August 2010 against the Bendigo Braves at 7.30pm.  The winner will earn the right to host the East Conference Final.

Taylor became just the second player in the history of the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) to play 400 games earlier in 2010 and will be looking to end his distinguished career by helping the Club to their third SEABL Championship.

He is the Club’s all-time leader in rebounds, both offensive and defensive, and second in points, assists, blocks and steals.

DJ acknowledged the supporters and team mates who have made his time at Kilsyth such a memorable experience, "Playing for Kilsyth has been a major part of my life, it has given me the chance to travel Australia, overseas and play with the greatest team mates you could ask for. I would like to thank all the supporters. They have been so loyal over the years through the highs and the lows."

At just 32, Taylor still has the years to extend his career but says the timing to retire is right, "The next generation of players are coming through.  The junior program is strong, the D League program is strong. I feel that I would just be taking the spot of a Kilsyth junior. I have had a good run," said Taylor. 

DJ began his illustrious career back in 1995 when the League was called the CBA. He played just one single game in 1995 but trained throughout the entire Season, learning all he could under veterans’ including Tim Corr and Paul Widdis.

The Cobras appointed Rob Morgan as the new Head Coach in 1996 with DJ becoming a regular on the team. His playing time increased over the next few years and in 1999 he averaged 10 points per game under Head Coach Mark Landells.

Under the guidance of Landells and playing alongside future 200 game players Paul Burgess, Stuart Gemmell, Adam Jackson, Nick Tenner, Cameron Burns and Michael Wheeler as well as NBL star Damon Lowery and the future Australian Boomer Luke Kendall, DJ Taylor was part of the Club’s second SEABL Championship in 1999.

Swinburne Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace had nothing but praise for his long serving Captain. "DJ is the life blood of the team, having played with some of the Clubs great leaders earlier in his career, he has made the role his own over the past five years."

"He has been the ultimate Club man, proudly leading the Club song after wins while riding the losses. DJ has set the tone and the developed the culture of the playing group and been a major contributor to the Club’s success," concluded Wallace. 

With the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras securing the Minor Premiership this past weekend Taylor’s aim is to be at MSAC on August 28 for the SEABL Championship game. "The ideal finish would be a Championship, but I know that there is a lot of work to be done and some very tough games for that to happen," he concluded.

General Admission tickets for the semi final can be pre-purchased throughout the week by calling 03 9728 1033. Tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase and will be available for collection from the office or prior to the game.

Ticket Prices:

Family $15 (2A + 2C)
Adult $7
Child $2

All remaining tickets for the game will go on sale on the night when doors open at 6.00pm.  To avoid missing out book your ticket over the phone.