Taylor, who is widely described as the ultimate professional by his teammates, has been working on his craft since he decided his number one goal in life was to become an AFL footballer.
After completing high school, Taylor worked as a bricklayer to help increase his muscle and physic whilst studying physiotherapy at University in his home state of Western Australia.
His determination to succeed and maintain his career as a professional footballer is still highly apparent in everything he does on and off the field.
“He’s worked his backside off ever since he came to the club, he’s wanted to be the best defender in the game since day one and I think he’s come pretty close to that,” Jimmy Bartel told Cats TV.
“He takes on all the big players in the competition like (Travis) Cloke and these sort of guys… he’s got the best set of hands going around."
As well as building on his own game, Taylor takes time out of his day to help mentor and guide Geelong’s younger playing group.
“He’s a terrific example for all our younger players and he’s developing our young defenders much like Matthew Scarlett did,” Bartel said.
According to Corey Enright, Taylor’s leadership qualities became evident well before his debut in Round 1, 2008 against Essendon.
“He’s the ultimate professional and he’s someone that has come into our club and has set an example early on, in the way he’s gone about his footy and life, it’s a credit to himself,” Enright told Cats TV.
As a natural leader, Taylor has continued to advocate that hard work pays off with his exceptional ability to run both ends of the ground.
“He’s obviously a very versatile player, he’s made his name down back but he’s also gone forward in the past and kicked some goals for us – I guess he’s the ultimate swing-man,” Enright said.
Bartel says the only concern that Taylor brings to the match committee table is where to put him on the day.
“I think our biggest issue is whether we play him back or forward because he can give you so much either end of the ground.”
Click on the video above to watch Harry Taylor's 150th feature on Cats TV.
