But the ruckman is putting on a brave face for his teammates as they prepare for Saturday's grand final.
Taylor played 18 games for the Hawks this year before stepping aside after round 21 to allow fellow big man Brent Renouf a run.
Renouf proved to be a hit and Taylor has not played since.
Speaking at the grand final parade in Melbourne, Taylor says he does not see himself as an unlucky victim of circumstance.
"Not at all. We are always in control of your own fate. There are things I can get better at and learn from. I can come back bigger and stronger next year," he said.
Taylor, who was named an emergency for the clash with Geelong, admitted he still held hopes of a last-minute call-up.
"There's always hope of that. I've been thinking that for the last few weeks. It's not over until the centre bounce tomorrow. I've just got to remain positive and if needed, I can do the job tomorrow," he said.
The 26-year-old admitted it was hard to keep a positive attitude during the finals as it became increasingly obvious he was not going to play a part.
"It has been a bit. But the last thing the boys want to see is someone a little bit down. It sucks the energy out," he said.
"I'm not the only one; there are other guys as well. We have to make our focus staying positive and helping the boys as best we can."
Renouf will be playing just his eighth AFL game tomorrow and admits he has been lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
"I haven't played many games but hopefully experience doesn't mean too much on the day," he said.
While he may not have experience on his side, Renouf has had to work hard to earn his spot among the impressive group of young Hawthorn big men.
He said at times during the year he wondered if he would ever get a decent chance at AFL level.
"A couple of guys were always telling me to hang in there and keep performing at Box Hill. That's what I did; I just knuckled down and got the body right."
Renouf said it was a matter of concentrating on the simple things a ruckman can do.
"I worked on my attack on the footy and doing the team things right. Getting in and under and providing that extra support for the midfield."
