Wodonga has named former Murray Bushranger Jordan Taylor as coach.
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The Bulldogs officially announced the news on Sunday.
"Jordan brings a wealth of high-level playing experience which will be a great benefit to our young playing list, members and supporters," the club said of the two-year deal on Facebook.
It will be Taylor's first senior coaching post, although he's played under some outstanding mentors, including 2019 Southport assistant coach Matthew Primus and Chiltern product Matthew Lappin, who's spent time with Carlton, Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns.
"It starts with the defence, if you're able to put pressure on and eliminate the time and space of the opposition, the good players don't always look as good as they normally might," he said.
'I'm probably a more attacking personality (by nature), but I've come to understand the importance that our defence is the key to attack in many ways."
Taylor played with the Murray Bushrangers in 2011-12, alongside Greater Western Sydney's Zac Williams and Fremantle's Matt Taberner.
He spent a year with South Adelaide in 2013 before sitting out two years on a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon Church.
Taylor returned to South Adelaide for another two years before moving to Southport in the NEAFL for the past two football seasons.
The 190cm defender has battled hamstring issues through his career, undergoing two operations this year.
And while that's naturally been frustrating, Taylor admits an injury run changes your approach.
"Growing up in a small community (Finley) and having those injuries, I've had a desire to help others be better and be a part of the community and football club," he admitted of his philosophical stance.
"I'm young and I feel like I've got some good footy ahead of me, but I've come to realise you don't know what's ahead of you injury-wise, so I just try and play like's it's my last game of footy.
"When you love a club and love your team-mates, then you'll do anything for them."
Taylor's unselfish and team-first approach will be loved by all Wodonga fans, who are desperate to return to finals for the first time since 2009.
The Bulldogs claimed last year's wooden spoon with just the one win, while this year was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Although he's never played in the O and M, Taylor will face three good friends in the coaching stakes.
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Yarrawonga mentor Mark Whiley is also a Finley product, he played alongside Myrtleford mentor Jake Sharp at the Bushies and knows recently-appointed Albury co-coach Anthony Miles from the latter's time at the Gold Coast Suns.
Taylor's signing means all 10 O and M clubs now have coaches for 2021.
