Lewy Taylor jumps head first into first pre-season with Sydney

The former Rising Star winner, who was traded to the Harbour City from Brisbane last month, struggled for senior opportunities as the Lions stormed back into finals in 2019.

The midfielder played just five AFL games last season but was crucial in Brisbane's undefeated NEAFL premiership over Southport.

But at his new club and in his his seventh year in the system, the 24-year-old wants to ensure he is back playing consistently on the AFL stage.

"Firstly I have to get a good pre-season under my belt," he told The Standard.

"The best thing for my football was a fresh start and that is why I made the move to Sydney and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it all."

Taylor, who was over in America during October's trade period, was confident his management could sort out his move to the Swans.

But the trade still had an impact on the Bloods product.

"Obviously I had mixed emotions about the move," he said.

"I was looking forward to heading down here but it was also hard to leave good friends, who I had got close to over the last six years.

"But I got a lot of good luck wishes from people and they all got around me wished me luck and that was great as well."

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Taylor, who arrived in Sydney two weeks ago, has settled in for another pre-season and is looking forward to taking in as much as he can from his new environment.

"I've been back a couple of weeks and pre seasons are usually similar at most clubs but I will pick up on different things here that are fresh to me," the Geelong Falcons product said.

"It's my seventh year and once you get settled in you know what is expected.

"I'll be working with a couple of the midfield guys and with (assistant coach) Jarrad McVeigh. It would be good to pick his brain as he is a champion of the club and been around the game for a long time.

"I want to get stuck into there and pick all the coaches' brains as they have some good coaching staff with a lot of experience."

Taylor, who is planning to settle in the beach-side suburb of Maroubra in Sydney's east, said the Swans' playing group had returned full of motivation following the club's lowest finish since 2012.

"Last year they were struck down with an injury cloud and everyone has come back fit and there are a fair few on track at the moment, which is exciting," he said.

"If we can continue that run and stay healthy it shows there is definitely good signs ahead. Everyone has come back and is looking sharp and keen to get stuck into it."

Taylor was eager to learn about the Swans' extensive and decorated history in a bid to get a better understanding of the club he will write the next chapter of his 112-game career with.

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