This time last year, Harry Taylor would have struggled to believe he was 12 months away from playing in an AFL grand final.

The lanky 22-year-old key defender is one of four Geelong players who will play their first decider on Saturday, along with Tom Lonergan, Mark Blake and Travis Varcoe.

But, while the other three were coping with the disappointment of missing out on last September's flag, Taylor was on the other side of the nation watching on television.

A mature age recruit from WAFL side East Fremantle, Taylor admitted during Friday's AFL grand final parade he was amazed by his progression since.

"I couldn't have asked for a better first year," Taylor said.

"Having an opportunity to play in a premiership with a great side is something you only dream about."

The athletic big man has become a key member of the Cats defence, particularly important given the absence through injury all season of last year's All Australian centre halfback Matthew Egan.

He played a crucial role on St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt in the Cats' big qualifying final win and is tipped for the important job on Hawks forward Jarryd Roughead on Saturday.

"They've got some great players across the board, but their forward line is probably what's publicised the most," he said.

"We're definitely going to have our work cut out, not only the backmen but the midfielders and the forwards have got to play a role in stopping the ball coming down.

"I think from a team point of view we've really got to play our roles and that way we'll hopefully keep their forwards pretty quiet."

Despite his inexperience, Taylor is keeping his nerves in check.

"I've always been pretty level-headed and having played the last two finals really helped me and made a big difference to my mental preparation," he said.

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