Giants’ Sam Taylor sidelined ‘indefinitely’ after ruptured testicle

The GWS Giants have copped a massive blow after All-Australian defender Sam Taylor was sidelined after suffering a horror injury.

GWS Giants defender Sam Taylor will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a ruptured testicle in his side’s 22-point win over Port Adelaide last weekend.

The 2022 All-Australian wasn’t named on the club’s injury list but it was revealed the 25-year-old had undergone surgery for the blow.

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Taylor is currently “indefinitely” sidelined after undergoing surgery, having suffered the injury during the third quarter of the victory over Port.

The Giants posted the news of the injury on social media.

“Sam Taylor will be sidelined after suffering a ruptured testicle during last week’s match and undergoing successful surgery yesterday,” the post read.

“Sam’s home and recovering with a timeline for his return to be set after consultation with specialists. Sending our love to Slammer.”

Although the injury is currently indefinite, 7News’ Mitch Cleary reported the early expectation was that it would be a two to three week injury.

Taylor in action against Port. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Incredibly, Taylor played out the game after suffering the injury but the soreness worsened the following day, according to the Herald Sun.

The news comes just over two weeks after Taylor signed a seven-year extension until the end of the 2032 season.

But it’s bad news for the Giants, who are set to face the high-flying Swans in the latest edition of the Battle of the Bridge at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After starting the season with a bang, the Giants have hit patchy season mid-season, having won just three of their last eight matches.

Earlier this week, Swans coach John Longmire paid Taylor a huge compliment, describing Taylor as the best defender in the competition.

He was also expected to get the job of marking Joel Amartey, fresh off kicking nine goals against Adelaide last weekend.

“Sam Taylor is probably the best defender going around in the competition at the moment. It’s going to be a big challenge for (Amartey),” Longmire said.

Sam Taylor signed a seven-year extension earlier this month. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Speaking on SEN’s Sportsday, Kane Cornes said it was a huge blow for the Giants.

“In terms of premierships, Grand Finals, finals … and important players across each team, is there any more important player to any side than Sam Taylor and what he has done?” Cornes said.

“I guess the flow-on effect for everyone else (will be big). Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg … they’re not the players they are without Sam Taylor in the side.

“So that’s a nasty one. It’s a huge game against the Swans this week.”

AFL great Gerard Healy added that the Giants do have some options.

“Well, they’ve got Leek Aleer there,” Healy said.

“So, if any side is well suited to losing a gun defender, it’s them.

“Brown and Riccardi give you some flexibility as well, at a pinch those two can go back.

“So, you’re right, but they’re not Sam Taylor.”