Guernsey Number: 32

Age: 19

Career Games: 4

Career Goals: 1

Debut: 2012

Games: 4

Goals: 1

Disposals: 54 (13.5)

Marks: 18 (4.5)

Tackles: 4 (1.0)

After spending much of the VFL season as one of Williamstown’s most solid contributors in the back six, Michael Talia was given the chance to make his AFL debut in round 19 against Richmond. He went on to play four of the remaining five games to end the season in the senior side. The teenager proved he is more than capable of holding down a key defensive post in the VFL while also providing rebound out of the back half. 

Watch BulldogsTV highlights of Michael Talia's goal in his debut game on the media player above. 

Eleven one percenters in a game is a solid performance by any key defender’s standards, so for Talia to produce that in only his second outing is promising. Talia produced a disposal efficiency of 80% in his first four games. Playing for Williamstown Talia averaged more than 17 disposals, five marks and almost four rebound 50s in his 15 games. 

Finding his feet at senior level, Talia impressed in the final game for the season against Brisbane Lions. The young defender collected a career high 23 possessions at 86.96% disposal efficiency, took nine marks, three inside 50s as well as three one percenters. 

The Calder Cannons recruit came to the Bulldogs with a solid physique for an eighteen year old but will look to continue bulking up in the gym so he can handle the bigger bodied forwards. 

View Michael Talia's player profile and season statistics.