Taylor Duryea Biography

Western Bulldogs select Taylor Duryea with pick No.21 in the 2023 Rookie Draft.

Marcus Bontempelli will lead the Bulldogs for a third consecutive season in 2022, with Jack Macrae serving as vice-captain.

Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea and Aaron Naughton are also in the leadership group.

"I think it's no secret that everyone knows how much I love the club and how proud I am to represent this club every week," Macrae said.

Taylor Duryea says he is looking forward to playing against his old Hawthorn teammates as a Bulldog this week.

"It's exciting, actually. All these guys are mates of mine and people I know well, and people who know me well," Duryea said.

"I guess it's added an extra layer to the game, probably a little more banter and a bit more emotion. These are games you have to embrace and make the most of, because it's going to be a unique experience for me and hopefully we get a win."

Taylor Duryea is trade by Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs for a future fourth-round pick.

Duryea has joined the Bulldogs on a two-year deal after reportedly rejecting a one-year deal from the Hawks.

"We’re excited that Taylor has decided to continue his playing career with the Bulldogs," Bulldogs general manager of list and recruiting Sam Power said.

"As a two-time premiership player, Taylor will bring with him valuable experience. His versatility to play at either end of the ground, as well as his speed and accuracy by foot, are just some of his strengths."

Taylor Duryea turns down the lure of free agency to sign a new one-year deal, extending his stay at Hawthorn to nine seasons.

"He has matched up against some of the opposition's best players in 2017 and really embraced the opportunity to play multiple roles," Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright said.

"He is a great character around the club and we are rapt to see him continue for another season."

Taylor Duryea has laughed off his heated on-field exchange with teammate James Sicily.

"A minute later, it was forgotten about," Duryea said.

"Those conversations, although probably not to that level, happen all the time out on the ground and you have to be able to move on, otherwise you get left in that moment in the game, so there was nothing much to it."

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says he doesn't have a problem with James Sicily’s on-field outburst at teammate Taylor Duryea during the Hawks’ 52-point win over Fremantle.

The clash just before half-time at Domain Stadium was pre-empted by Sicily being struck in the face by a ball kicked by Docker Hayden Ballantyne.

Sicily was arguing vehemently with a field umpire after being denied a kicking-in-danger free kick when Duryea came in and tried to calm him down.

But Sicily reacted by abusing his teammate which eventually led to captain Jarryd Roughead counselling him as they left the field at half-time.

“I think ‘Sicers’ got belted in the head with the footy and was a little bit away with the fairies for a time, but Dr Duryea was just trying to settle him down a bit. He was a bit grumpy he got hit in the scone,” Clarkson said.

“He’s a passionate player (Sicily) and he’s playing some good footy for us in the back half.

“It was a pretty significant event that led to it and how passionate and emotional about it he was, and I love the fact that one of our players came in to try to help settle him down and get composed and get back into the game again.

“I reckon it’s really good leadership from Duryea and I love the passion of Sicily so it’s all fine.”

Despite being one of the best players on the ground in Hawthorn's preliminary final win over Fremantle, defender Taylor Duryea still doesn't feel his spot in the Hawks' team is secure for the Grand Final.

Duryea was outstanding in the Hawks' 27-point win over Fremantle, keeping Hayden Ballantyne to one goal while racking up 26 disposals himself at 84.6 per cent efficiency.

To cap off his night, Duryea kicked a goal at the 18-minute mark of the final quarter that put the Hawks 26 points up and all but sealed their place in the Grand Final.

Despite his performance, Duryea said he was taking nothing for granted.

"You never feel secure, especially in my position, I've been on the fringe most of the year really to be honest, so for me I'm always on edge," Duryea said.

"I always know that I have to play my role and play really hard and put all I can out there on the field.

"That for me is the easiest part of my role, knowing that if I just work defensively and just really put it all out there then I'm probably going to hold my spot in the side.

"In terms of selection this week, you just do what you can. You play well on the weekend and then you just try and train and prepare the best you can and selection takes care of itself really."

Taylor Duryea signs a new two-year deal with Hawthorn.

"I'm pretty pumped to be honest," Duryea said.

"It's been a pretty good six years for me so far – obviously a bit of success last year – so there's no reason why I should leave now."

Duryea was Hawthorn's substitute in the Grand Final, replacing Cyril Rioli in the final quarter and gathering nine touches in his short time on the field.

"He played in a premiership last year, and provides us with some grunt and rebound off half back," Hawthorn's recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.

"He's only 24 now, so we think in the next two to four years he will continue to improve and be an important part of this team."

Hawthorn reveals that Taylor Duryea came under AFL investigation and was target tested for drugs after an internet prank went badly wrong.

A photo was posted on social media, showing Duryea with what appeared to be an illicit drug.

"Drug use is not a joke and the prank was thoughtless and incredibly disappointing," Hawks chief executive Stuart Fox said.

"Hawthorn takes this matter very seriously and Taylor was sanctioned under the personal conduct policy.

"Taylor was extremely apologetic for his actions and used this as an opportunity to educate his teammates on the seriousness of the issue and the pitfalls of social media."

Taylor Duryea says he is just happy to be in the Hawks' 2014 Grand Final side to face Sydney and will happily play as a substitute if required.

"No matter whether I start or how many minutes I play, as long as I'm part of it and we can get a win that's all I'm after," Duryea said.

"I feel like I can make an impact at whatever point the game is at, if I happen to be the sub.

"I've played as the sub a few times in my career, so if that happens to be my position I'm ready for it."

After stringing together seven games as a small defender, Taylor Duryea says a change in attitude was the catalyst for his improved form this season.

"My first couple of years, I was always thinking about the consequences of my actions," Duryea said.

"That's what changed for me last year.

"I just started worrying about my own form and how I could help the Box Hill side, and that sort of translated into pressure on the Hawthorn senior side.

"My focus changed and it ended up being better for me."

Taylor Duryea makes his AFL debut for Hawthorn at the MCG with 15 disposals (10 kicks and 5 handballs), 3 marks and 2 tackles in a 55-point win over Collingwood.