Son of Upper Great Southern Football League (UGSFL) president Graeme Taylor and Tracy Taylor of Kukerin, Taylor was representing WA in the national under 16 Australian Football League (AFL) championships in Perth.

Taylor was one of 14 country boys chosen in the team coming from as far as Albany, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Broome.

WA last won the tournament in 2004 when it was also held in Perth, boasting players such as Tom Swift and Stephen Hill.

This year's team has done the same.

After being defeated on the first day by the highly fancied Vic Metro by six points, big wins against WA2, NT and Vic Country placed WA in the grand final.

In a re-match with Vic Metro WA won 9.3 (57) to 5.6 (36).

Five months to the day from first trials to end of tournament, Taylor put in hard work and has been rewarded for his efforts.

He endured four weeks of trials, 10 weeks of training, a fitness camp and practise matches during the holidays.

Excited at being named vice-captain, Taylor proved he was able to take his football to the next level by being runner-up fairest and best for WA and earning himself an All Australian jumper.

Taylor plays in the mid field and likes to use his pace to explode from packs to hit a target up forward.

His football career started in the back pocket for KDFC nippers, mostly rolling on the grass with his mates.

In his earlier years his idols included his father and he was often found playing on the front lawn mimicking Graeme Bolt, Sheldon Kowald or Jon Ward.

He enjoyed nothing better than to train with the big boys or to sit in the coaches' box next to his father.

Taylor is currently playing PSA football for Aquinas and for KDFC when home.

He made his league debut at 14 and was a member of the UGS junior rams last year and this year.

He has now been included in the South Fremantle Development 15s squad.

Sheldon is looking forward to playing out this year's season and playing in the 15s Development Carnival in October.