Former Kangaroo Curtis Taylor has put pen to paper, linking up with Collingwood’s VFL side for the 2025 season.

Taylor began life at Arden Street after being selected with pick 46 in the 2018 AFL Draft.

The versatile forward played 76 games across six seasons at North Melbourne, including an impressive 2022 which saw him feature in every game.

Taylor’s 188cm frame makes him a difficult size for defenders to match up on, with the 24-year-old kicking 33 goals across his career at the Roos.

Growing up a Collingwood fan, Taylor expressed his excitement about officially joining the Pies.

“It was a bit of a wait and see as standard with the draft and delisted free agency and what not and Collingwood was one of the first clubs I met with from a VFL perspective,” he said.

“It just felt right after seeing the place and knowing the rich history of the club, and also growing up a Collingwood fan.

“Once I had a conversation at the Pies about where they think they can take my footy it all happened quickly – it was a long wait initially but then once I knew VFL was the next step it all happened quickly.”

The 24-year-old emphasised on his desire to play at the top level again, reflecting on current Pie Lachie Sullivan’s position, after being picked up via the pre-season supplement selection period (SSP) earlier this year.

“I definitely want to be playing AFL footy again and hopefully the pathway to playing VFL here and then potentially playing for Collingwood in the AFL would be a dream come true,” Taylor said.

“You take confidence from seeing guys get elevated from the program and even going back to them using SSP spots on guys like Lachie Sullivan.

“The goal for this summer is just to get as fit as I can to give myself the opportunity to have a good season.”

With the Pies finishing 20^th in the 2024 season, Taylor is set to add some valuable experience to a growing Collingwood VFL program.