Wodonga's new coach Jordan Taylor has described his two-year Mormon mission as the time of his life.
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Taylor walked away from football, and his AFL dream, as a teenager to spend two years in New Zealand, working with Pacific Islanders.
"I always knew that I wanted to do that but, at the same time, I had strong aspirations to make AFL and I thought I could have made AFL in my draft year and then didn't, that's fair enough, that's happened to a lot of blokes with that same belief," he said.
"I knew equally, if not more important to me than that, was to give a little bit back to those who may not be as blessed as I am, it was probably the best two years of my life."
Taylor said the time away was a learning lesson in life.
"I think when you put others before yourself, on the mission your sole focus is to help others, whether it be by community service or English speaking programs, teaching some of our religious doctrines, it's all about helping other people," he said.
"I think when you don't get so absorbed in yourself, what's good or bad in your own life, you start thinking about others, it actually takes the weight off your own shoulders to some extent.
When you don't get so absorbed in yourself, what's good or bad in your own life, you start thinking about others, it actually takes the weight off your own shoulders.
- Jordan Taylor
"I went to church this morning (Sunday), that's probably why I missed your call, every day it's a huge part of my life."
On the football field, Taylor has always displayed that same unselfishness and leadership.
A NSW captain at junior level, he was also vice-captain of the Murray Bushrangers in 2012, where he finished third in the best and fairest to Benalla's Sam Martyn and runner-up Michael Gibbons.
Taylor has a Level 1 AFL coaching accreditation, while he's also worked for private AFL coaching group One on One Football, as well as a private school on the Gold Coast.
"I've played under some really good coaches and have something I can offer within my playing and teaching experience," he said.
A qualified teacher, Taylor will start his career on the Border next year.
He married Alyssa in January with the couple moving to the region next January.
It means he will miss the first block of pre-season training, but will naturally coordinate the sessions from afar.
Taylor takes over from Zac Fulford, who led the Bulldogs for two years before this season was cancelled due to coronavirus.
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Fulford is an enormously respected figure at the Bulldogs, assuming the top role after an exodus of 23 players over that summer.
"Zac has done a tremendous job in trying times over the past three years. He continued to build and strengthen the playing list, which will benefit the club for future seasons," co-president Mick Mathey said of the likeable Fulford.
