Adelaide on-baller Zac Taylor can remember looking around before the umpire bounced the ball, seeing his Skipper on the bench and a young midfield brigade preparing for the contest.
The heat was on in the Crows’ clash against Essendon, after forward Josh Rachele’s snap for goal sailed through, putting Adelaide in front with 51 seconds remaining.
Taylor, in just his fourth game of AFL, found himself in the centre with Sam Berry (22 years old) and Hugh Bond (20 years old and in his second match).
Vice Captain Ben Keays wasn’t too far away but Taylor conceded he was worried the young trio would be out of its depth, with Captain Jordan Dawson and experienced midfielder Rory Laird on the bench.
Despite the inexperience, Adelaide withstood the pressure to win a heart stopping game against the Bombers at Marvel Stadium in a Friday night blockbuster.
“It was pretty crazy to be in there at that last centre bounce (against Essendon),” Taylor said.
“There were some real young boys in there (and) we were on the likes of Zach Merrett and players like that.
“We were a few men down in the last quarter and all the young boys stepped up.
“We got a close win, with Rash kicking the final goal, it was a pretty surreal moment.”
Taylor spoke to AFC Media during Adelaide’s off-season and reflected on his 2024 campaign as a whole, including his first call-up to the Crows’ side, which had a similar manic feel.
Senior Coach Matthew Nicks rang Taylor just 10 hours before Adelaide’s Round 16 against GWS to let him know he would be debuting.
“It was pretty exciting,” Taylor said.
“I got to get my family and friends over and got the win as well, which was unreal.
“All the boys got around each other after a really impressive win - and definitely that 15-20 minutes after the game was pretty good.”
His debut game was a product of hard work and determination, following an injury-ridden first two years on Adelaide’s list.
Taylor spent most of 2023 on the sidelines after rupturing his Lisfranc ligament during a Crows SANFL game, and underwent surgery, which required a long-term rehabilitation.
He said he used the injury as motivation to be AFL ready.
“I guess for me personally, it (2024) was a pretty positive year,” Taylor said.
“That block after my foot injury was really important… I followed the advice of (fitness boss) Darren Burgess and Josh Manuel in the gym, getting my body right so that I could attack the season.
“That helped me be able to play at the AFL level with a good intensity and run our games.
“I have definitely learnt a lot, playing AFL this year was a great experience and one that will make me better in the future.”
Taylor also revealed how Crows Skipper Jordan Dawson helped him navigate the step up from SANFL to the AFL.
“There have been a few guys who have helped me, but Jordan Dawson has probably been the main one,” Taylor said.
“He’s just given me that confidence to play the way I play and he’s taught me a load of things, especially how he trains and how he prepares for games is pretty good.
“Being able to mirror that has been really good and knowing he’s got your back when you’re out there is something great.”
As he looked ahead to 2025, Taylor said he would be focusing on improving his fitness and strength.
“I want to attack the off-season and pre-season pretty hard and get my body a bit more developed, I’m still pretty raw,” Taylor said.
“I just want to improve my tank and my build a bit and hopefully come Round One (2025) I am firing and ready to go.
“Seeing all the young boys come through, they’ve got some experience now to be confident to play at that level, so going forward, that's going to be really positive for us.”
