GWS defender Sam Taylor opens up war of words ahead of grudge match with Sydney

The Sydney Derby has slowly become one of the most heated contests in the AFL. And returning Giants defender Sam Taylor hasn’t wasted anytime stoking the flames, writes LACHLAN McKIRDY.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 22: Sam Taylor gestures to the umpire during a Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL training session at Vailo Community Centre on March 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

There’s no love lost between the Swans and Giants with returning GWS defender Sam Taylor labelling their cross-town rivals “a bit smug” heading into this week’s Sydney Derby.

Both teams have only lost one game this season with the Swans sitting in second and the Giants just one place below them in third.

It sets up one of the most highly-anticipated clashes in recent history between the two sides and Taylor confirmed the Giants love nothing more than getting one up over the Swans

“It keeps building and building and now that we’re second and third at the moment, there’s a lot in it,” Taylor said.

“I think they’re probably the benchmark at the moment, the best team. The way they play is very tough to play against and I’m keen to play them.

“I do respect them, they’re a great team. They have great players and I respect how the players go about it.

“But yeah, there is a lot of dislike and once we get on the field we want to beat them, we want to smack them and come home with the win. They’re young, they’re fiery and they’re a bit smug, (the dislike) comes from a bit of that as well.”

Even their recent pre-season meeting saw tensions high between the Swans and Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Tensions were even high during their recent practice match earlier this year with players from both sides bringing an increased level of physicality. Taylor knows that those sort of occasions bring the best out of him.

“They’re chirpy on the field,” he said. “It’s fun to play against them when a team is chirpy and up and about.

“That game was chirpy for a practice game, very keen to play if I get through.”

Taylor is one of six big names hoping to return this week across the Giants and Swans’ line-ups. In total there could be a combined 1,132 games of extra experience on the field with Taylor, Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio and Brent Daniels at the Giants, while Luke Parker and Dane Rampe are closing in on a comeback for the Swans.

The 24-year-old key defender suffered a sickening concussion three weeks ago during the Giants’ one-point win over St Kilda. Taylor was required to be taken to hospital but has progressed strongly through the concussion protocols since.

He will be involved in contact training on Tuesday and Thursday this week to tick the final boxes to play on Saturday afternoon. It was the first concussion of Taylor’s career but he’s confident that it won’t impact the way he plays, which has seen him earn the reputation as one of the best key defenders in the AFL.

Taylor had to be taken to hospital following the clash with Jack Steele. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It happened in the first 10 minutes, so I remember what happened during the game but the actual incident, I don’t remember,” Taylor said. “I got hit and then I don’t remember much for the next 30 minutes.

“I’m symptom-free, everything’s gone. I never had headaches, that was good. It was just a bit of dizziness early on. But then after that, got back to normal and I’ve been training for the last week, non-contact, which has been good.

“I’ll definitely be more careful with my head. I won’t charge in headfirst and keep my chin open, I’ll try to protect myself a bit more. But I just want to win, I want to compete as hard as I can and that won’t change.”

If Taylor does return, it would likely be in place of Leek Aleer who has impressed across the past fortnight.

The Giants will be hoping to continue their strong recent form at the SCG which has seen them win four of their past five matches at the Swans’ home ground, including the 2018 elimination final.

The Giants are determined to make it five wins at the SCG in their past six attempts. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Last year’s edition went down to the wire with a late goal from Greene securing the win for the visitors. Taylor remains wary of the challenges the new-look Swans’ forward line will present and will be doing whatever he can to throw them off their game with bragging rights up for grabs once again.

“Buddy (Franklin) is I think one of the greatest of all time, but having (forward) options for them, it is really hard to play against,” he said.

“When they have a few key forwards and dangerous smalls and mediums, it’s tough to play against. You just don’t know where the ball is going.

“I think it’s good feeding into the emotion (of the derby). Playing with heart is a good thing, if you do that I think you can play better.

Originally published as GWS defender Sam Taylor opens up war of words ahead of grudge match with Sydney