Back at the Cattery: Northampton champion Harry Taylor hits the track in new coaching role at Geelong

Northampton footballing legend Harry Taylor has started his high-performance role with Geelong, hitting the training track last week on his return to the Cattery.

Sporting a bucket hat, Taylor kicked off another era with the Cats on Thursday, reacquainting himself with former teammates in his new job as head of medical and conditioning services.

The dual premiership player joins a revamped football department following the departure of a number of key figures including assistant coaches Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright and Matthew Knights.

Mid West football administrators were sad to see Taylor rejoin the Cats after he made a strong impression running the day-to-day affairs of the Great Northern Football League.

Hometown club Northampton will also be ruing the loss, with Taylor breaking the Rams’ goals record last season with 85 majors.

However, Taylor said in October he would return to the Mid West “at some point”.

“I feel a spiritual connection to the people, the land and sea in the Mid West,” he said in October.

“That was something strong pulling me back but I get some solace knowing it will still be there at some point, because we will come back at some point.

“That’s for sure.”

The 280-game AFL player also imparted some wisdom on the next generation of Mid West footballing stars as head coach of the Midwest Football Development Program.

That role has been filled, with former Northampton coach Beau Walker appointed last week.

Turn to page 23 for the full story.