Swifts’ Ben Taylor has taken his football career to the next level, accepting a contract to play for Northern Territory Thunder in the North East Australian Football League.
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The announcement comes after Taylor made the move to join St Mary’s in Darwin at the conclusion of the Victorian 2018 football season.
Taylor, 20, will start training with the Thunder in the new year, and will also continue with his commitments to the St Mary’s team.
While in Stawell visiting family and friends during the festive season, Taylor said he was excited about the opportunity.
READ MORE: Taylor takes a chance and moves north
“I have been training with the squad for a while, but to sign the contract just before I came home for the break was a fantastic feeling,” he said.
“The opportunity to learn and develop in a high standard of football is a dream come true.”
Taylor said the call-up was unexpected, as he initially planned to play football over the summer and return to the Swifts for the 2019 Horsham District Football Netball League season.
“I am going to be away from family and friends for a bit longer than anticipated but it will be worth it in the long run,” he said.
“My ultimate goal is to take one step at a time and work my way through to the highest level of football I can.”
Taylor will play against teams across the north east of Australia and will be up against players who could be picked for AFL sides Brisbane, the GWS Giants, Gold Coast and Sydney.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and by joining NT Thunder hopefully it can lead to further opportunities,” he said.
“Playing in this league is a big step up. There are some of the best footballers on the field and there will be no weak links in the team.
“I will be up against some quality footballers, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Taylor has made his mark in the Northern Territory Football League for St Mary’s.
In his 11 games so far, Taylor has kicked five goals and has been named in the best eight times.
“I have been working really hard at training and have let my work ethic do the talking,” he said.
Swifts coach Scott Carey said although he was shattered the young midfielder would not be returning to the club for the upcoming season, the opportunity to play for the Thunder was terrific.
“We will miss out on Ben not only playing for us but having him around the club,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to test out his skills and the whole club is right behind him.”
Carey was impressed with what he had seen from Taylor during his short career.
“As a footballer around here, he is one of the best in the district for his age,” he said.
“He knows how to find the football and he knows how to deliver.
“In the short time he has been in Darwin he has shown he can do this in any situation he is put in.”
Carey said he would like to think Taylor felt the Swifts was home to him, and that he would one day come back and share his experience.
“I’m sure when he is done trying to build his football to the highest level he will come back and pull on the teal, black and white,” he said.
“As a club, we are right behind any players who want to improve their football and try new things.
READ MORE: Taylor wins first Trevor Skurrie medal
“We know Ben will represent the Swifts football club really well – whereever his career takes him.”
Taylor will be joined at NT Thunder with St Mary’s teammate Ben Rioli, who is also Taylor’s housemate.
“Everyone has been really welcoming since my move up here,” Taylor said.
“All the players have been so supportive both on and off the field. It’s been a highlight of my experience so far to run alongside leaders of the team.”
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