Broadbeach veteran, Taylor Haley, was back to his best on the weekend, bagging five majors in a tight four-point win over Sandgate.
The Rd 6 Syd Guildford Trophy nominee proved to be the difference for Broadbeach, recapturing some of the form he lost through a string of recurring injuries between 2008-2012.
“It was an ugly win and we probably didn’t play as well as we could, but it was nice personally to play a bit deeper in the forward line,” Haley said.
A born and bred Tassie boy, Haley captained the NTFL Under-19 team in 2003 and played 115 games for Devonport, which included a 2005 Best and Fairest, before coming to Broadbeach in 2008.
Currently a playing-assistant coach, Haley has played a role as a crafty utility player at Broadbeach and continues to bring value to the senior list.
Now a deputy principal and primary school teacher at Coomera Springs State School, Haley is looking to wind down the clock on his playing career and look for other football opportunities.
“I’m nearly at the point now where I want to transition into coaching because my body is wearing thin,” Haley said.
“I can’t say for sure but retirement at the end of this season is a high possibility – if I had to give a percentage, I’d say I’m 80% sure it will happen.
“I’m already doing some work with the SUNS academy, but I also enjoy working with the senior and local clubs at a grassroots level, it just depends where opportunities come from on my decision for coaching.”
Hayley spoke highly of the newly developed QAFL structure and believes Broadbeach can go all the way.
“The competition is great at the moment, I think it is great for local footy and has made it a really level playing field,” he said.
“Our destiny is in our own hands for a Premiership, but we will have to wait until we get through a full round of games against Morningside, Palm and Labrador before we know where we sit.
“I definitely think if we play to our ability and use our list to its potential, we can go all the way.”
