Sharks chase Taylor return

Geelong premiership defender Harry Taylor could return to where his senior football career began, with East Fremantle chasing his services for the 2021 season.

Taylor retired after 280 games of AFL football with the Cats, playing in Geelong's premiership sides of 2009 and 2011 after being recruited as a 21 year old in the 2007 AFL Draft.

The Northampton product played 49 games for the Sharks from 2005-07, playing at both ends of the ground before talent scouts took notice and he was drafted to the Cattery.

While refusing to name Taylor, Sharks coach Bill Monaghan gave a strong indication on Sports Breakfast that the club was chasing Taylor in a dual role as a player and assistant coach for 2021.

"We have an experienced guy recently out of footy who play or may not play and are trying to work out whether he will take a coaching role," Monaghan said.

"Hopefully we will know more on that in the coming days, that will be a real exciting coup for us at East Fremantle if we get him."

Monaghan confirmed that Matthew Jupp will assume the captaincy role in 2021 from the retired Jon Griffin, having served as vice-captain for the past four seasons, Jarrad Jansen to be his deputy.

"Internally, both coaches and players that's probably the way that's been heading for the past 12 to 18 months, rather than draw that process out we got on the front foot and announced that to the playing group last night," he said.

"It's really exciting for both of them. They're both super people, great leaders and good footballers as well."

East Fremantle began their pre-season for 2021 on Monday night, former Gold Coast speedster Josh Schoenfeld winning the 2km time trial.

IMAGE: ABC.