AFTER the most difficult season of his short career, Brisbane Lion Lewy Taylor has simplified his goals for next year.
By the lofty standards he set in his first two years, the 2014 NAB Rising Star winner played poorly last season.
He was dropped at one stage and generally struggled to find anything approaching his best form.
While all this was going on, Taylor was at the centre of a prolonged contract negotiation that played itself out very publicly.
After months of back and forth, the clever midfielder/small forward put pen to paper and signed on for a further three years.
Taylor now has his sights set on a return to his best.
"It was a challenge at times," Taylor told AFL.com.au of his 2016 season.
"A lot of stuff got blown up there. I sat there and let my manager do the work he's supposed to do. I didn't get involved.
"It's part of the job and it's great to get it done and get three more years.
"I can move forward and try and get a few more wins on the board and help the club go forward."
Taylor has played 63 games in his first three years, and although still just 21 (he'll be 22 when the season starts), is already talking like a more experienced player.
"To tell you the truth, it's just about wins for me," he said.
"It's all about winning games now.
"I don't really care about individual success any more, it's about doing things for the team and trying to win.
"If we can have a few more wins than last year it'd be a good result."
Not only personally was it a tough year, but with just three wins (he was a part of two) and coach Justin Leppitsch continually under pressure, Taylor said it was a difficult year for the entire club.
"The losses aren't great, but you've got to push through," he said.
"Hopefully this year we can turn it around for ourselves and our fans."
Must see stories:
