James Taylor, after six years finally knocks up his 50^th game tomorrow at skilled stadium. Taylor who is the only player from the old Springvale days, has played more than 70 reserves games.

It’s a credit to his character and perseverance that he has reached the mini milestone. And at only 24 turning 25 in December, there is plenty of games left in the rugged defender.

Football Manger Craig Lees said he was a credit to himself and the way he presents himself. “Jimmy played every game last year and after previous years of being in and out of the senior side, it was refreshing to see his attitude hadn’t changed when he was playing in the reserves early in the year. He had a set back with his knee and missed a chunk of Pre Season, so he was behind the eight ball.

But to see his charcter, he didn’t complain, it wasn’t an issue and he just kept the pressure on the senior team.”   

There was a ripping interview from Paul Amy  in inside footy last year that summarise our Jimmy Taylor up. 

“Opponents consider Casey Scorpion James   Taylor such a pest that  you suspect some consider slipping a can of Pea Beau into their socks and  giving him a spray as he enters the fray”.

Taylor, short but strong,  is not easily rebuffed. He plays it tight, applying equal measures of physical and  mental pressure.

 A  bit of niggle? For Jimmy, how sweet it is.``Part of the job,'' he said last Wednesday night. ``I'm not the most gifted footballer. I have to work at it.

That's the only way I can keep my spot.''He so frustrated Geelong in 2005 that two Cats were reported for striking him. Both got two weeks. A VFL general manager recalled a reserves practice match last year in which the Scorpions were trailing by 25 goals.

 Taylor, he said, continued to try to upset  his man  all the way to the final siren. The crowd got on his case, calling him Crusty the Clown (he lacks a little hair),  but Taylor  wouldn't back down.``I'll give  him this: he's 150 per cent committed and that's why he's playing senior football,''  the general  manager said.``You've got to admire blokes like that.''``Oh well, that's good to hear,'' Taylor said  when told of the comments.

 “Jimmy is a super important player to us and if we are to compete in finals, he is super important to us”. Lees said.