Taylor, who has also played in the Canberra league previously with Queanbeyan, was crowned the AFL Central West competition's best and fairest this season.

The versatile 190cm utility was convinced to make the travel commitment to play for the Lions by fellow GGGM player Michael Rothnie, who commutes from Orange.

Taylor can also play half-back and wing if needed, but will add a big body to the Lions' midfield rotation as they look to build on winning this year's Riverina League minor premiership before finals were cancelled.

Taylor, 20, said he was ready to test himself again at a higher level after a couple of years in the four team Central West competition.

"I'm looking to play some better level footy and see how far I can make it," he said.

"I had to move back to Bathurst from Canberra for work purposes. It was a good enough level of footy and I was loving it there, I just thought I'd try something different this year.

"One of my mates Michael Rothnie plays for them. I've been talking to him through the off season and he convinced me (to sign)."

Lions coach Sam Martyn, who played for Canberra Demons in NEAFL, sought feedback on Taylor from sources in the capital and received only favourable reviews.

He's also a handy potential replacement on half-back for Jonathon Neville, who has confirmed he won't play next year.

"Mick (Rothnie) gave us some information on him and the contacts I have in Canberra rated him pretty highly," Martyn said.

"He had to go back to Bathurst, but everyone said he improved tenfold in that (Canberra) environment.

"He obviously performed at a very high standard this year and is looking to expand his footy a bit more.

"He's six-foot-two and played midfield this year, but can play a bit of half-back as well. He'll add another dynamic to our mids because we're pretty small in there, another big body is great."

Martyn said the Lions won't be overly aggressive with recruiting this year, but will target specific areas to bolster.

Full forward Riley Corbett, who has signed with SANFL club West Adelaide, is perhaps the biggest hole to fill.

"We don't really need too much extra to be honest, we've got a really good list and it's just about replacing the people we've lost," he said.

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