By Will Jeffares
The on-field success of a football club is often, and rightly so, the most pivotal indicator in measuring the club’s growth and, therefore, potential reach to existing supporters as well as luring in new ones.
However, plenty of behind-the-scenes factors are crucial to the wider development of a football club. In the current digital climate that we live in, having a strong and presentable social media presence is key to not only building on the existing connection between fans and the club but also reaching out to connect with new supporters as well.
Currently in his second season as an intern at Frankston, Graphic Designer Ryan Taylor has transformed how the Club’s identity is presented through various social media platforms.
Ryan’s efforts has seen the Dolphins’ undergo a complete media rebrand over the past two seasons, showcasing cleaner and modernised content on Instagram and Facebook in particular.
We sat down with Ryan to discuss where his love for footy developed, his journey in digital media and what he loves about working at Frankston.
A self-described “nuffy” and a Carlton supporter growing up, Ryan spoke on some of his favourite memories supporting the Blues, including his love for a champion of the game.
“I always loved footy and am still a bit of a nuffy,” Ryan said.
“Although I would like to think I have become less biased and delusional as I have gotten older.
“I grew up supporting the Blues as a die-hard supporter. I sometimes let it affect me more than it should.
“My favourite memory, because I think the nostalgia just makes it even sweeter, is the 2013 Elimination Final vs Richmond. The Chris Judd goal and Jeff Garlett running into the open goal with the commentary is probably my favourite memory.
“Then I think Blake Acres’ clutch goals (in the 2023 Finals) come in a close second.
“‘Juddy’ is one of the GOATs, no denying that. My favourite player as a kid.”
Though now based in Melbourne, Ryan, alongside his mates, still makes the trip to Cobram to play football together, where he grew up playing the game.
“I grew up playing football and I’m lucky enough to still be going back home to Cobram to play with my best mates. We all travel back from Melbourne to play,” he said.
“I was a midfielder in my younger years but now have moved to half forward. A knee injury a few years ago has taken me out of action more times than I’d like to admit.”
Starting out making graphics in school “for a bit of a laugh”, combining graphic designing with sports was not an area Ryan actively set out to break into, but when an opportunity from Frankston popped up, he decided to give it a chance.
“It wasn’t something I specifically set out to do but was something that I did have an interest in,” Ryan said.
“But now, it is definitely something I want to strive for moving forward.
“I got into it through Frankston, as it is a hard industry to break into. I was just happy to be getting any experience possible to start with and I have enjoyed it a lot.
“The most rewarding part of my career is that I have found something I enjoy doing, to where it doesn’t feel like work and that it is challenging.
“I am always learning and there are plenty of opportunities available for me in the future.”
Since joining the Club, Ryan has thoroughly enjoyed his time working and being an integral part of an environment that “feels a bit like home”, while also being able to express himself creatively through his work, as he looks to build on his future career.
“The opportunity to do something I enjoy is probably what I love most about the Club,” he said.
“It also has a local club feel, which is quite unique to the VFL, and definitely feels a bit like home which is nice.
“My favourite part about doing the graphics is the challenge. Obviously working as well as doing Frankston stuff means I have limited time, so it challenges me creatively and helps me learn more.
“To work in a top-level sporting club, whether it be AFL, basketball, soccer or a media agency would be pretty cool. That would be an awesome experience and something I am striving for.”
The Club itself is experiencing a highly positive and strong start to the 2024 VFL Season, boasting a 4-2 record and sitting in 8th position on the ladder heading into their Round 8 clash against the Sydney Swans.
For Ryan, he is looking forward to seeing how far the Club can go for the rest of the season after producing the best football he has seen since his time at Frankston, while also highlighting a few of the players that have caught his eye.
“The start to this season has probably been the best highlights I’ve had since being at the club so far,” he said.
“It feels like we are in a strong position and playing good football which is nice to see.
“There are a few players I enjoy watching. Tom Murphy and George Grey have been unreal since coming into the club. I don’t mind Blake O’Leary; I think he brings a bit.
“This season has been great, and we have some big games up ahead so we can see where we are at amongst the top teams in the competition.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how far the boys can go, we are in a great position at the moment.”
