Michael “Kingo” Taylor: Mr Consistent

Michael Taylor, “Kingo”, is the most consistent player I have had the privilege of watching.

 

Michael hails from Kingston, in the South East of South Australia, hence the subsequent nickname (geez it stuck, very rare to hear Michael not referred to as Kingo).

 

Kingo was ahead of his time with his extraordinary fitness levels that enabled him to get to contest after contest. He wasn’t brilliant and flashy but just so consistent, there was no such thing as Kingo having a shocker; he was either good, very good or excellent, and wow, what a CV! http://www.redlegsmuseum.com.au/ON_FIELD/PLAYERS/TAYLOR__Michael.aspx

 

Let’s go back to the beginning. Ironically, Kingo was first approached by Bob McLean of Port Adelaide fame when he was 13, but thankfully his parents said he was too young and he stayed at Kingston. A couple of years later, Kingo’s uncle knew Wally Miller, his parents were introduced, and the seeds were sown. He ventured down to Adelaide, with part of the deal being he would work at
Metro Meats as it was along the farming lines he had grown up with, and with which Kingo had confidence. By his own admission he was not overly scholastic. Michael lived at Carmel Court (if only those walls could talk), which was run by Annie Carman (yep Fabulous Phil’s mum).

 

Michael’s parents and Annie got on like a house on fire, this helped the Taylor family’s confidence in the Norwood FC as Michael had moved to the big smoke so young. Michael played Under 17s under Malcolm Smith, then in the Under 19 1971 Premiership side (we defeated Port Adelaide by a point) under Bob Farnham. Kingo was runner up in the Under 19s Best & Fairest, and made his Norwood SANFL senior debut in the opening round of the 1972 season, playing 13 league games and seven reserves games.

 

Kingo won the Best & Fairest in 1974 at the age of 20, playing mainly back pocket. Fast forwarding to the fantastic day in 1975, Kingo severely hurt his ankle early in the Grand Final against Glenelg. In any other game he would have come off; instead Kingo had eight painkilling injections and still contributed playing at half forward before being forced off in the last quarter. While Kingo was indebted to coach Bob Hammond and elated in playing in the Redlegs first senior flag in 25 years, there was frustration that he could not contribute more (thanks Fred Phillis 0.6!). Norwood 9.10-64 def Glenelg 7.10-52.

 

Now, Norwood faithful, what other incredible thing happened in this game? Roger Woodcock kicked one of his seven RIGHT foot goals of the 602 lovely sausage rolls Woody kicked in his career (congratulations Roger re. the RSL end being now the Roger Woodcock End!). Kingo was runner up in the Best & Fairest in 1976, and also a huge contributor in the 1977 Ardath Cup win (a night series where we defeated East Perth in the grand final played at the home of night football, Norwood Oval).

 

In 1978, Norwood Football Club’s centenary year, Kingo was appointed Captain. Let’s fast forward to Grand Final day, while all the focus has been on Sturt’s kicking for goal: final score Norwood 16.15-111 def Sturt 14.26-110 (isn’t that beautiful), and Des Foster paying that magical mark to Phil Gallagher, I wish to highlight a lack of, let’s say respect, by a Sturt player before the game to Kingo. It may have fuelled that fraction of extra fire in Kingo’s belly. A brilliant best on ground effort in a one point win, we will never know whether that contributed to the Norwood upset win (Sturt only had lost one game prior to the Grand Final for the entire season). It is arguably the Redlegs’ finest hour!!

 

Kingo was easily our best player for the season and won another Best & Fairest. Our Centenary flag in 1978, I have a confession to make I wasn’t there; it was a Norwood High School camp and my parents made me go (yes I am still spewing that I missed it), of course I had my radio and when the siren went I was thrown in a dam I emerged triumphant with my Norwood scarf above

 

(I may have watched the game and highlights since once or twice, ok a thousand times, watching Norwood premierships was an Xmas afternoon highlight at the Wilson household!)

 

 

1979 was a disappointing premiership defence but yet again Kingo was Mr Consistent, and winner of the Best & Fairest. In 1980 Kingo was truly remarkable and had his finest season for Norwood, and if ever a player should have won the Magarey Medal, it was Michael “Kingo” Taylor. To Russell Ebert’s eternal credit (the winner), he has openly said in public that it was a dead set farce that Kingo didn’t win it. Norwood stormed home from 5th spot, charging into the Grand Final. If not for a work accident to Ugo Colasante before the preliminary final we might have pinched it. Ugo was having a purple patch in the ruck at the time in easily his best season for the club. In the Grand Final Taylor destroyed Ebert in the middle and also produced the individual highlight of the game.

 

(what a dob!)

Grand Final night in 1980, I spent a fair bit of it with Kingo, having plenty of beers trying to drown the sorrows. Kingo was inconsolable blaming himself re bloody Kym Kinnear intercepting a hand ball meant for Danny Jenkins (it was really well done by Kinnear) when we had a run on in the last quarter. It was a privilege for me to observe how much the Norwood footy club meant to Kingo, he was truly red and blue blooded.

 

So after five Best and Fairests and two runners up, in 1981 Mr Consistency ventured over the border to join Collingwood.

 

http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/michael-taylor/

 

Kingo again showed his remarkable consistency and durability at the Pies, playing 92 games. Kingo won the most determined award for Collingwood for the 1981 season, then was runner up for the Pies Best & Fairest, the Copeland Trophy, in 1982 and 1983. Tony Shaw has publicly made the point that he believes it was only interstate bias that prevented Kingo from being a dual Copeland winner. Kingo’s final game for the black and white was the losing preliminary final in 1984.

 

Kingo returned to The Parade for the 1985 season, it was like he had never left the place, and he even added a 6th best and fairest in 1986, with his last appearance in our beloved red and blue colours in our qualifying final win against Port Adelaide, but he copped a bad corky from, of all people, Darren Smith, and missed our finals losses to Glenelg and North Adelaide.

 

So a stellar playing career finished with 289 SANFL games for Norwood, 92 VFL for Collingwood and 13 state games for SA. Plus just a casual nine Advertiser team of the year selections. If he had been a stats man he could have easily played another year to get the esteemed 400 senior games, but Kingo was never concerned with any thing like that.

 

Kingo returned to Collingwood to be the Reserves coach between 1988 and 1990, with the primary role to get youth through to the senior side. He was a playing coach and on more than one occasion Leigh Mathews basically begged him to play, to which Kingo always replied “nup, I have had my time, I was appointed to help and promote the youth and that’s what I am sticking to”, this includes an intra-club game where Kingo, well in to his thirties, pantsed the late Darren Millane (yes pun intended). Kingo could really have been a Michael Tuck, Dustin Fletcher type re. longevity if he had desired in my opinion.

 

Kingo returned to Adelaide to be Graham Cornes’s assistant coach at the Crows between 1991 and 1995 (geez, imagine being Cornesy’s assistant, is that your greatest test of will power Kingo?). From 1996 to 2000 Kingo coached West Adelaide, in which time they made two finals appearances. In 2001 Kingo returned home to be assistant coach at the Norwood FC from 2001 to 2005. Kingo then turned his dulcet tones to the radio and was an expert analyst for the ABC for four years. He then returned to Norwood, helping out in a variety of roles and serving as football director and on the board of the club from 2013 till 2016. Michael was married to Bridgette (although separated they remain very good friends, having two children Adam and Lea). For the majority of his working life he has worked in the packaging industry.

 

Summing up, Michael “Kingo” Taylor has been a incredible footballer. An obvious inclusion in the Norwood team of the century and South Australian football Hall of Fame, but he is as an honourable and honest person I have ever met, always has time for a chat and will converse with anyone and everyone. Thank you for being such a incredible servant of the Norwood FC and the game, and thank goodness you ended up at The Parade!!

 

A man with red and blue blood oozing through the veins, thanks Kingo, it was an absolute pleasure to write this article.

 

PLEASE share, not only with Norwood and Collingwood followers, but footy and sports lovers in general, and yep I would love a comment. THANK YOU

 

*Footnote* The Norwood FC board has very recently made the decision to award the
Winner of the best & fairest The Michael Taylor Medal, a fitting tribute to a true champion and just like The Bradman Medal in SA District Cricket, this adds that extra bit of prestige and any player will be rapt and proud to win the award!

Comments

  1. Great job Malcolm.
    Kingo was my first football hero.
    I had a wonderful sketched poster of him running and about to bounce the ball and a t-shirt with his image on the front.
    Wish i had kept both.
    My fondest of football memories are of my father and I sharing our delight at how consistently good and how skillful Kingo was.
    Only one 29 (apologies to L Bowman).

  2. Great write up Ashy, was a pleasure to read and watch the videos (again)
    Love how you weave the odd person the majority of us know into the stories e.g. the Wilsons
    Keep up the storytelling Book

  3. Charlie Brown says

    Thoroughly enjoyed the read Malcolm. Would love to know the Sturt disrespect story one day. And has anyone measured THAT kick?

  4. A great player I wore his number on my one and only duffle coat, a very hard working footballer and what a kick, a great captain as well

  5. David Hossen says

    Taylor was a brilliant footballer, even as a Port Magpie supporter I loved watching him. great read Malcolm

  6. Martin Rumsby says

    A good summary of Kingo’s career sprinkled with interesting personal insights – thanks Malcolm. Michael Taylor is a true legend of the Norwood Football Club and of Australian Football in general.

  7. Tom Winter says

    I was privileged to be part of his staff when he was at westies, absolute gentleman and i cannot speak more highly of him — i remember the first time we played at norwood with him as coach and the norwood members all clapped him as he walked across the oval — great tribute for great man

  8. Eric Weltner says

    Yes I remember Michael Taylor being a terrific footballer – and as a Port Adelaide supporter I certainly remember that monster kick in the 1980 Grand Final – I was standing at that end in the forward pocket. Yes, there was a significant breeze blowing to that end, but the commentator was not exaggerating – it must have been the best part of 80 metres!

  9. Willow Wilson says

    Great work again Book, not just a great club man but a great footballer as well. Michael Taylor was my first Norwood hero. Somewhere in the depth of my “archives” I have a match day Budget, Kingo on the cover, signed by the man himself.
    Looking forward to the next Redlegs profile.

  10. Lee Harradine says

    Absolutely confirm what Tom Winter said. Michael’s first year as West coach was my first year as Head Trainer. A terrific coach and a wonderful example to all of us. All at Westies have the highest respect for him. A great man.

  11. SamThe Man says

    Just great Mal, summed him up well!

  12. John Cunningham says

    Great History lesson Malcolm on a fantastic football person.

  13. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Chris funny isn’t it stuff like that a kid we grow up and throw out and then when we are older wish we had kept! Paddles yes the odd big xmas evening at the Wilson household ! Charlie yep will tell you privately and bloody good point it would be interesting to no.Robert thank you and totally agree.
    Thanks David and Martin .Tom and Lee thank you great to get a westies perspective.Thanks Eric yes wish it had bounced thru! Thanks Willo great player better bloke thanks folks

  14. Steven Ronson says

    Great post Malcolm – you’re right in saying Kingo is honourable and honest – such a dignified player and man. All style in his application of a work ethic that is still uncommon – year in, year out, the man gave

  15. Bill Drodge says

    Great article Malcolm.

    “Kingo” always one of my Favourite Players. He was on the poster I had as a young teenager!

    Like many others, still puzzled why he didn’t win the ’80 Magarey.

    Even more puzzled, that the SANFL chose the shuffle the order of reading the votes that year, and read out Ebert’s last. From memory Ebert didn’t play in the last round that year?

  16. Michael Taylor was a extraordinary player.Had the privlidge to see pretty well all his games with the Legs.Cool under pressure,smooth and silky, hard when he needed to.All round professional footballer. Thanks for the memories Kingo

  17. Michael Rehn says

    My very first football hero was “Big Bill” Wedding, so in my eyes it was only fitting that at the start of the 1972 an unassuming but talented young defender called Michael Taylor was handed the number 29 jumper to start his league career. on that opening round in 1972 we all knew we were seeing a pretty good young player in action, but I guess none of us knew we would see Kingo take the Best and Fairest trophy 6 times, play 289 games, play in 2 Premiership sides, Captain the club, and be a shining example of a Norwood footballer, and serve SA football with distinction. Michael Taylor…a Norwood great, and believe me he is pretty highly regarded at Collingwood, and thy’re not easily pleased !!!!

  18. Dwayne Fuller says

    A most enjoyable read Malcolm, almost as enjoyable of watching The Legend Kingo play footy! What a great time it was back in the 70s and 80s we had so many champion footballers and Kingo was most certainly right up there with the very best it was an absolute pleasure watching him play, I think I may have even cried when he went to Collingwood but in saying that I certainly celebrated when he came home.

  19. Raj Singh says

    Great article Malcolm he must be in the top 5 Norwood players of all time

  20. Great read a Book – totally agree he was robbed of a Magarey.

  21. Great article Mal.
    He was a such a consistent player week in week out.
    Always solid and you knew whoever he payed on was in for a hard day.
    A great servant of the game here and across the border.

  22. Luke Reynolds says

    Well done Malcolm, I know you put a lot of work into this, great tribute.

    Very interested to read of him “pantsing” D.Millane in an intra club game when into his 30’s.

    Only have vague memories of him in the reserves at Collingwood from 1988-1990, was always intrigued by our number 20 who only played reserves. He clearly had a great career.

  23. DBalassone says

    Well said Malcolm. Taylor was a great, great player. He was revered at Collingwood 81-84. Daicos had him in his Best 18 of his era & may have had him Captain too, which says it all.

  24. Geoff Wilson says

    Another fantastic job Malcolm on another Norwood Legend. The great thing about Kingo was that he was such a great player but also a great bloke, seems to be a common trait with alot of the Norwood Legends that you have written about. I’ve had the great pleasure to meet Michael firstly as a young boy with my Father in that wonderful institution know as The Redlegs Club along with all the players you loved and admired or in some cases the ones that you played with. Latter on I have had a little bit to do with Michael as Captains Club Member and with my job through Coopers and he being a Board Member. I have really enjoyed our chats over the years and yes Michael I will get you in that Cooper Box this year now that you have no official duties, other than to Barack for The Mighty Redlegs. Well done Kingo.

  25. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Steven spot on,Bill Kingo not winning in 80 and Michael Aish in 83 were bewildering and as a umpire showed yet again that umpires are not the best judge re best players.MS agree totally.Michael Kingo is revered at Collingwood it is a amazing cv.Dwayne Kingo id 1 of the all time greats of our SANFL competition.Raj yes his record is unsurpassed for me it is M Aish,Macca and Kingo in our time.Thanks TC yes a disgrace.Steve yes it was his consistency and his record against the other greats like Ebert,Marker,Howard which showed how bloody good,Kingo was.Luke thank you yet again for your help you are a gun,it would have been confusing as a youngster why this guy kept dominating in the res but wasn’t picked in the league side.D Ballasone it is also a mark of how good,Kingo was in that greats such as Daicos,Shaw and Brown rave on about Kingo work rate and consistency as good as any one.Geoff v well put yes Kingo one of the all time greats. thanks folks

  26. Mark Clarke says

    I loved the clips Malcolm, seeing my favourite players in their heyday, I’m sure they could have bested a lot of today’s teams!

  27. Gr8 read Malcolm
    Kingo Taylor a true gentleman a SANFL champion of our wonderful game as a kid going every week as it was our religion (and still is to this day) wonderful memories that will last a lifetime…. #redandbluebloodedforlife

  28. Great article, well written, i enjoyed watching the clips. I didn’t see Kingo play much, but i remember my mum sayihg, he was a great player, and put in an effort every week.

  29. Not only a great Norwood player, but also a great Norwood man. I’m always honoured to have the chance to talk one on one with Kingo.
    Great article Rulebook!!

  30. Love to read about the history of the game in SA and iconic players, thanks for the great read Book

  31. Great article, Malcolm. Some great insights. I’m not old enough to remember Kingo playing, but have certainly heard plenty of stories and watched lots of highlights.

  32. Greg Harderson says

    Thanks Malcolm,
    Like Brad I’m not quite old enough to remember too much about Kingo. One funny story I heard was that he was quite superstitious…. Apparently he used to eat half a watermelon before every Sturt game, and would only finish the other half if the legs won! Funny!

  33. Jill Tathra says

    Great article mate about a really great player, although it pains me to say this! When I first started going to footy from 1956 onwards the Eagles, my team, and Norwood where great rivals and usually ended the seasons 3rd and 4th. I must admit to only recognizing the better players of the other clubs but Michael Taylor was one of Norwoods I do remember seeing play.

  34. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Mark and well and truly geez Turbill,Craig,Adamson,Kingo,Gallagher,Woodcock etc would walk in to any afl side.Joe,Sonia,Fester I reckon re today when unfortunately the SANFL is not the number 1 ticket in town that clubs history and champions need the publicity and reminding every one how good the comp and the great players were.Thanks Ben.Brad glad I have helped you learn more about one of our greats.Greg I have sent thru to Kingo and will chase up ! Thanks Jill yep a champion thanks folks

  35. Good read mate and that’s gotta be the biggest kick I’ve ever seen 85 m or more maybe, he was the old mans favourite player also

  36. Nice one Rulebook. Trying to think of a current footballer that reminds me of Michael Taylor. Luke Hodge? Not quick, relentless, mid size, all rounder, no weaknesses.
    Thinking how I would rank/draft your 4 Redleg champs – Aish, Taylor, McIntosh, Wynne? The latter two tougher, harder, more unconventional, more team men? Aish + 10kg = Younger Fyfe or Judd?
    Come on Rulebook – tell us which you would draft for the Crows today?
    Had forgotten that Taylor kick. Biggest ever I reckon. If only it had gone through for a goal it would outrank Blight and Barrot.

  37. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Gilbo and no surprise he was Rays favourite player a bloody good judge re sport your old man !
    RIP Ray.PB yep l reckon,Hodge is a good modern comparison for Kingo all 4 very team orientated.Aishy a hard one in that he had that mercurial balance and just almost glided thru heavy traffic a better version of Cotchin is my comparison.If I am drafting for the mercurial X factor I go Aish if I am after the dependable well and truly more than solid,200 plus games player I am Macca,Kingo,28 in that order
    agree if it had gone thru for a goal it would have beaten the late,Jeff Fehrings goal as well thank you

  38. Greg Harderson says

    Thanks Malcolm,

    See if there’s any truth in that thing, or if it’s just an old wives tale! COYR! Greg

  39. Rick Neagle says

    Kingo is an absolute legend. Remember playing a game v Essendon on a cold Tuesday night at AAMI stadium when I stood under a pack and got polaxed by Paul Van Haar. Kingo ran past demanding the ball “Fu#k in get up get up, give give. With respect to the great man, you get up and give ….. immediately. Such was his presence.

  40. Mark Ducker says

    Great read and summary RB of Kingo. I only played two years with him in 1986-1987 and my memory of him was that he was a truly committed, strong and dedicated footballer with attention to detail with his preparation. Similar to Keith Thomas in that respect – both did most things extremely well in all aspects of the game probably well before their time. Kingo read the play better than most and was very hard on the inside. Solid skills. Communication skills on the field was terrific though could be harsh like most top-end footballers if not up to their standards.
    But my best memory of Kingo was when I was about 12 ( around 1979/1980) and he presented Greg Rowe ( Storm Boy Actor & good young footballer) and myself as dual best & fairest players in an eastern suburbs carnival. I was rapt as I was a few years younger than Greg in an older boys carnival. Kingo was a Norwood legend then already. I still have the photo somewhere. I couldn’t believe when I was fortunate to play with him later on.

  41. Great read RB!! Kingo was my first ever Red and Blue idol, still remember getting his autograph (first I ever got) as a young lad out on the hallowed turf after a win in either 79′ or 80′. The term “legend” gets thrown around too easily these days, but Kingo certainly fits that bill for our great club.

  42. Terrific memories there of a brilliant player. Soooo skillful. Always hard at the ball and always fair.

  43. Thanks malcom. I love the legs and reading and hearing stories of our club legends. It’s great that people like you continue to share these stories with younger fans/members like myself to keep these legends legacies alive. Keep up the good work

  44. Great tribute, Rulebook

  45. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Greg will speak to Kingo this morning.Neags yes I can hear,Kingo and yes the great players have presence,( Hodge,Selwood,Macca) Kingo had it in spades also.Ducks great point and yes similar to KT ahead of his time and was just v v good at all aspects of the game and had elite standards.Ducks yep I remember,Greg Storm Boy Rowe he was a good junior and yes a huge thrill to end up playing with a child hood hero( yep I am envious if I am being honest)JK totally agree re the term and others being used far to readily but Kingo well and truly a legend.i think most fair minded neutrals as well if they are picking a greatest SANFL team,Kingo would be in it personally he pips,Brenton Adcock for the back pocket spot.
    Andrew couldn’t agree more.Dave thank you and I think it is even more important now days when the SANFL isn’t the number 1 league unfortunately and we need to keep our history alive and tell the world so to speak imo.Litza thank you greatly appreciated thanks every one for commenting and also for sharing the article the more publicity the better!

  46. Great read Mal and good highlights of an era of Legends at the Club through the 70’s and 80’s, Kingo great man great Legend.

  47. Jeff Milton says

    Without doubt one of the greatest to ever play for Norwood. Premiership captain, would have played well over 300 games if he hadn’t played those seasons with Collingwood. Should have won the 1980 Magarey Medal. He carried the side for most of that season in what was a very ordinary year for Norwood until about round 16. They then came from about 8th or 9th to scrape into the five and if that handball hadn’t been intercepted late in the last quarter of the Grand Final who knows?
    Possibly Collingwoods best player during his time there. So cool and reliable amongst a team of so called star VFL players who fell apart in the big games.
    Certainly along with John Wynne my childhood football heroes.

  48. Pete Chenoweth says

    Another terrific article Rulebook.

    He was my childhood footy hero and the reason that I still follow Collingwood to this day. I would religiously watch the winners with Drew Morphett hoping to catch a glimpse of Kingo.

    The only longer kick that I remember was Jeff Fehring (RIP) from the back pocket at footy park to centre wing proper. In a reserves game I think??

    If both weren’t closer to 90 meters than 80 I will eat a hat.

  49. Theo Xydias says

    Thank you Malcolm for the beautifully written article.

    Michael Taylor is the first football hero I ever had, walked into my parents shop in ’86 and I floated on air for the rest of the day having met him in person.

    As others have said I too began to follow Collingwood during his playing days there and beamed with pride with every possession.

    Michael Taylor = Norwood FC legend

  50. Great article Rulebook. An impressive player and servant to the clubs he’s been involved with over all these years.

  51. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Greg just a old wives tale ( Kingo said he wasn’t superstitious at all ) Schmally thank you and yep great man.Milts yep one of the all time greats and showed in the vfl just how good he was revered at the pies,
    likewise re heroes.Peter Jeff Fehrings kick was at footy park v Sturt in a league game kicking from next to the point post and Gags market it on the wing on the other side of the ground yep both 90 odd metres
    Noel Pettingill was the other prodigious long kick.Theo thank you and as I have said great player better bloke legend well and truly.Thanks Paul v much so thank you re commenting and sharing

  52. Malcolm, well written article, you have a gift. Keep it up . Ian

  53. Matthew Huppatz says

    Absolute legend. Not sure which year it was, ’79 or ’80, but dad took me to the ‘legs clubrooms, and I wanted to go to Kingo because I wanted him to be my Dad. I started crying because I was told he wasn’t my old man. Not sure how true it is, but the way I was so ASAD with Norwood back then, doesn’t surprise me. In the latter years at Norwood I could remember him fondly coming back from Victoria. Was as you said, ultra consistent in a team that should of played in more GF’s in the mid to late ’80’s. One of the many ‘Legs that went to Collingwood and made them a better club.

  54. Tim Wedding says

    Hands down my dad’s favourite player after he passed the number 29 guernsey onto him back in the early 70’s. Reading this article and noting some of the highlights of his career make me wish I had seen the great man play, however, Peter Aish visited him back in 2008 and got a personalised autograph for me, which will always remain Framed for all to see in my hallway.

  55. Brett Zorzi says

    Great article Rulebook.
    His CV is amazing and a great bloke as well.
    Carmel Court – what a place!

  56. Roger Murdoch says

    The words Champion and Legend are used so flippantly these days but in Kingo’s case they don’t do the man justice. Modest, unassuming, professional ending his career with a CV to die for. A man who always had time to help younger players and greet his many fans with an appreciative smile. A super footballer who gave every contest the best he had to give. He was an inspiration to watch and as a team mate a genuine leader of men.
    Thanks for reminding us how damn good he was Book I really enjoyed the read.

  57. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Ian thank you greatly appreciated.Matthew that is superb the other half wanted to no why I couldn’t stop laughing.Thanks Tim certainly two famous number,29s your comment is poignant and Kingo will be humbled by it.Thanks Zorza geez the stories which would come out of Carmel Court if those walls could speak would fill a book.Froggy couldn’t agree more and with the SANFL no longer the number,1 ticket in town I reckon it is even more imp to fight to hang on to the history of the comp and the champions of it I truly appreciate having the chance to do so on the footy almanac site it is a privledge I do not take lightly

  58. Michael Aish says

    There is so much you can say about Kingo but one word comes to mind Champion! His record as Froggy has said is unbelievable. What stands out to me was not only his remarkable commitment and longevity but the person. Quiet but a great teacher and a great man. The team always came first.Red and blue blooded through and through.Great read Malcolm. The Norwood Football Club means so much to so many.

  59. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Aishy agree with every word also speaking to a couple of followers of other clubs today who made the point,Kingo would pip Brenton Adcock for a spot in the back pocket in a greatest ever,SANFL side which I think is a very fair and correct analysis

  60. DBalassone says

    Rulebook, I’ve looked at that footage of Kingo’s kick from the ’80 GF and I have to say, that’s close to the longest kick I’ve ever seen. He was slightly behind centre wing and the ball landed in the goalsquare. I’ve certainly never seen a ball that was in the air for longer. For a man of his stature (6 feet) that is remarkable. A couple of other kicks that spring to mind – Jeff Fehring goal from behind the centre circle at Moorabbin, a Ben Graham kick-out at Kardinia park which cleared the centre circle, a few bombs from the Rocca boys, a Daicos torp at VFL Park and a running goal from Bruce Linder at the SCG in late ’87 which I swear was from just inside the centre circle – there must be footage of this somewhere.

  61. E.regnans says

    Love it, rulebook.
    That’s a fine, fine summary of why M Taylor would mean so much to do many.
    That 1988-1990 period coaching at Collingwood crucial to building the 1990 premiership side.

  62. Malcolm Ashwood says

    D Balassone totally agree re never seeing a ball in the air longer parthttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tt_OHh5qsIE Bruce Linder kick is at 2.10 ( the most consistent long kick I have seen was the late
    Noel Pettingill here in SA ( will try and find some highlights )OBP Kingo was a v important part of the pies
    1990 flag,Leigh Mathews speaks v highly of Kingo as a player,coach and of course as a person thank you

  63. Michael Coligan says

    Malcolm your profile of Michael ‘Kingo’ Taylor is on the mark. My observation of his playing days at Norwood was his elite ball handling. Clean hands, kicking efficiency both short and long was consistently good, would will himself to every contest, maintain his feet and involve team-mates at every opportunity. He was a great communicator and instilled confidence with his unique encouraging approach when coaching young men at Collingwood, Adelaide, West Adelaide and Norwood clubs.

    His 44 years of continuous involvement as a player, coach, board member and media commentator in our great game is a credit to his endurance and passion for the game which no doubt will see his elevation as a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame in the near future.

  64. Mark 'Swish' Schwerdt says
  65. Michael Taylor says

    Hi Malcolm

    I have just read your post I would like to thank you for your kind words and thanks to all the lovely comments people have said about me .
    I am extremely flattered by the comments people have said , I was blessed to be involved with great people I played with and coached .

  66. Another great article malcolm.i was not even born when kingo debuted for the legs in 71 so to read his stats in all their entirety shows people how Michael Taylor was such a special player.My fond memories of him were his courage and determination to never give up.You always knew you could rely on “kingo”.

  67. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Michael couldn’t agree more re your thoughts on Kingos greatest attributes,thanks Swish.Kingo it was absolute pleasure and honour to write the article.Ray I admit the article took a fair bit of research a incredible career and as Mike Coligan correctly remarked surely hall of fame entry awaits and the sooner the better ! Thank you

  68. A great read again rulebook on one of the true gentlemen of NFC and football… I was involved with Kingo when in early days we both lived at Carmel Crt , with many other recruits from country areas /
    We both played in 1971 grand final , beat Port by 1 pt on Adelaide Oval , kingo on the half back flank , I was centre half back so we shared many handballs that great game … we have caught up many times with norwood functions and he remains a really good mate today ..Not surprisingly his 92 VFL games for Pies he played well & could have continued playing ..Well done Kingo a great Career. Roger #18

  69. Troy McKinnon says

    Great read, Malcolm!!

    One of the best!
    Consistent, composed, reliable.
    He played with my father at Kingston, my home town, and became my hero when he went on to play at my beloved magpies!
    I may still even have my Collingwood duffle coat with Michael 28 Taylor on the back!
    A CV to die for as you’ve pointed out, and a true blue SA (unheralded) hero!

  70. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Thanks Roger and Troy as we no he was not only a fantastic footballer but such a quality person very surprised and disappointed that,Kingo is not in the Afl hall of fame yet.Troy I request that I get to see you in that duffle coat ! Ahh duffle coats what a footy institution they were !

  71. Matthew Goss says

    My first footy hero. How is he not in the Australian Football Hall of Fame? Amazing record including 6 B&F’s when the SANFL was strong and as your article says even Tony Shaw reckons should have 2 Copelands as well. There are many VFL players in there with records that don’t come close.

  72. Barry Lewis says

    Another great summary Malc…..& I bought him a pint at Norwood after the 1975 premiership…what a night we had with the players at the Parade…

  73. Leon Minervini says

    Definitely a respected legend on and off the field. I remember we would finish senior training everyone else would run down the race and he would stay back and help players in the ressies work on their skills one on one in his own time.
    ( Respect)

  74. Michael Taylor was a colossus at Norwood. How many times did he save us in the closing stages of the ’78 GF with strong marks in the back pocket as the Double Blues kept attacking. As we all know Taylor was known as “Kingo”. Many others had interesting nick names. Peter “Bucket head” Vivian, Brian “Pongo” Sawley, Bob “Rabs” Martin, Graham “Molly”Malloy, Ron “Tank” Kneebone, Haydon “Kick- it- to Me” Bunton, Ian “Buster” Gordon, Neville “Mighty Mouse” Harris, Duncan “Fozzy Bear” Fosdike, Neil “Bear” Button, Michael “The Flying Hat-rack” Greg, Rodney “Rocket” Maynard, Glen “Black-duck” Rosser and Garry “Smacka” McIntosh are but a few that come to mind. Now at age 75 I have so many wonderful memories of Kingo and all the other champion Redlegs to share with my now 34 years old son David.

  75. PS Other nick-names I recall are Brian “Spazza” Johnson, Warren “Race-horse” Packer, Damien “Nig” Nygaard, Ross “Marshall” Dillon, John “Viscount” Vickers, John “Biscuits” Menz and Robert “Woff” Oatey

  76. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Matthew it is a disgrace how Kingo is not in the afl hall of fame players have been chosen who aren’t good enough to do up Kingos boot laces.Bazz when you see Chris McDermott name Kingo as the best person he has met thru footy enough said.Leon as you well know a person who has given so much to so many.
    Fisho if they gave the Jack Oatey medal back then,Kingo would have won 78 and 80 a true champion
    nick names such a huge part of sport thanks folks

  77. Kurt Flahavin says

    Great article on Michael Taylor. Collingwood & Norwood have had a great history with the players going to Collingwood from Norwood & the other way around. The 1978 Norwood premiership win was led superbly by the premiership captain Michael Taylor. Norwood achieved the impossible and defeated the “unbeatable” Sturt. From 30 points down at 3 quarter time, Norwood’s last quarter was inspirational.

  78. Geoffrey Harris says

    Very fond memories of Michael Taylor at Collingwood. He had six kicks in the last quarter of the 1981 Grand Final when six other C’wood players didn’t get a kick between them. Tremendously reliable and then a big part of the drought-breaking 1990 premiership as assistant coach.

  79. Mark Frendo says

    A fantastic tribute to a player that consistently applied himself to his craft at an exordinarily high standard whom never played a bad game that was a trusted team player.
    A great summary of a Micheals career and a great case well put to why his selection was worthy.

  80. Mark 'Swish' Schwerdt says

    Australian Football Hall of Fame member 2022.

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