As a 187-centimetre high-flyer, Curtis Taylor’s natural x-factor, coupled with his height and wiry frame make him a difficult matchup for defenders across the AFL.

Coming into the system as a natural half-forward, Taylor has slowly been spending more time on the wing, thriving on the potential to accumulate more of the football higher up the ground. A raw prospect when drafted, he played just three games in his first season at senior level, before nine in his second as he adapted to the pace of AFL football.

North Melbourne debut: Round 8, 2019

2021: Taylor experienced something of a breakout campaign in 2021, playing 18 times at senior level as he filled a number of roles in the midfield and forward-line for new senior coach David Noble.

Although a concussion in Round 1 saw him exit the senior side for three weeks, once he made his return in Round 5 he was a mainstay of the team for the duration of the season.

Two goals in Round 18 against Essendon showed his potential as a forward, while his 19 disposal effort against Sydney two weeks later saw him thrive with more midfield time.

As he heads into his fourth season on the list, the confidence and development gained from a consistent 2021 could see him take his game to new heights.