Elijah Taylor: Ex-Sydney Swans player in court over family violence-related matters involving new partner

Former AFL player Elijah Taylor’s football career appears all but over after the banished Sydney Swan was again in court on family violence-related matters involving his new partner. Taylor — who was dumped by the Swans in November 2020 after bashing his then-girlfriend — was in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday after being charged with a string of offences that allegedly occurred in East Perth on Sunday. The troubled footy player was held in custody on Sunday night facing allegations of trespass without a lawful excuse, damaging property and breaching a police order. He was released on strict bail conditions after his court hearing, which dictate he must not contact the woman, who The West Australian has chosen not to name, or get within a 20m radius of her. The person named in court was not Lekahni Pearce - the woman who Taylor hit with a belt in a hotel room back in 2020. The 20-year-old must also foot a $500 bill and is due to reappear in court on the family violence list on January 19. Taylor left court wearing a white Michael Jordan Nike t-shirt and a cap with an East Perth Football Club logo. He still had a Sydney Swans backpack. Taylor was supposed to be playing with the East Perth Royals in the WAFL this season, although his latest charges cast a long shadow over his footballing future. When asked outside court whether he would still be playing the sport this year, Taylor appeared to shake his head from side-to-side. Royals board member Kim Farmer in November said the club would guide him during a pivotal time in his development — after handing him a second chance. “As a club, we do not condone acts of violence or any breaches of the community and our club’s safety and good standing,” Ms Farmer said at the time. “However, Elijah acknowledges his wrong-doings and with the support of his family he is committed to working towards redeeming himself. We recognise Elijah’s youth and the measures he has taken to address his actions and the club is committed to give him support and an opportunity to continue to learn from his mistakes.” The club had agreed to take him on despite senior WAFC officials wanting to permanently ban him from the game over his domestic violence conviction. Taylor has previously said he knew what he did “was wrong”. “I’ve learnt from my mistakes, I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” he told The West Australian last year. “I just want to get back to the AFL level and play really good footy.” Taylor has also been in trouble with the law over breaching COVID quarantine rules when playing for the Swans. The Royals were contacted for comment.