Alix Tauru

[B.M]

SNAPSHOT: “An exciting utility player with endless potential with his athleticism, Alix Tauru’s 2024 season has shown what a bit of luck can do for a player who can get a good run at it after numerous setbacks” – Adrian Dixon
Gippsland Power utility Alix Tauru is very much looking likely he will be the biggest draft riser of the class of 2024. After an injury hit few seasons where many were keen to see what he could produce, the versatile utility has stood up and made all recruiters and draft followers take notice throughout this season with many impactful performances in the Coates Talent League competition.
From the town of Warragul where he turned out for both Warragul Blues and Industrials along with Ellinbank, Tauru first represented the Gippsland Power in 2022 in the Under 15 V-Line Cup tournament as an over-ager. He was named amongst the best in both games and these performances would see him end up winning a spot with the Power for the 2023 season, as a bottom-ager.
However his 2023 season could not have gotten off to a worse start, suffering an ankle injury in a practice match, then dislocating a finger outside of footy. He would manage two games for the Power scoring goals in both games, while also making his senior debut with Warragul Industrials in the West Gippsland Football League where he performed well as a forward. Overall, Tauru missed a total of 14 weeks combined of injury.
While that could have easily seen him give up on his AFL dreams completely, it looked like 2024 was going to be more opportunities lost for Tauru, especially after another injury was suffered playing for the Power in May this year, resulting in a seven-week absence following hip tendonitis. However, once he returned in June and following a standout performance against the Bushrangers he never looked back and it resulted in a call up to the Vic Country side, playing a key defensive role.
Although not as tall as him, Tauru has been likened to West Coast stalwart Nic Naitanui due to his athleticism but he has also been likened to Hawthorn captain James Sicily in terms of his defensive game and aggressive attack on the ball, Sydney captain Dane Rampe due to his ability to rebound out of defence and to another degree, Port Adelaide utility Aliir Aliir due to his versatility.

[nostalgicsaint]

"I've never been one to compare myself to AFL players because they're up there and I'm down here."

I think I'm in love.

[MC Gusto]

Sounds like the Bont!

[B.M]

Plays more like Jeremy Howe or a slightly smaller Naughton

Strong and fearless in the air

[chook23]

Welcome

'The flying Viking'

Same size as Roo

[Scollop]

Very confident young man.

I think he and Mattaes will get along well

I'm pretty happy

[axcellence]

Will be a star if he stays injury free.

[silverhalo]

Just looking at the highlights of Tauru and I'm thinking he's a mix between Riewoldt and Mac Andrew - we are going to be very entertained by this young bloke, looks very exciting!

[Rocket]

We missed out on the midfielders .. but then may have landed the best key position player???!!!
Who knows, but on paper that is what it reads …

[shrodes]

[Otiman]

With that pressure and tackling I can see why we've picked him.

Would be an asset at half forward to help keep the ball locked in, and intercepting the first kick out of opposition D50.

[Winmar]

With that athleticism he could play as a high marking wingman. He looks like he'll be one to get excited about.

[Cordz2]

When he floats through the air - all I see is Riewoldt.