AFL finals: GWS star Sam Taylor pushes case for elimination final against St Kilda
Max King, take note. GWS has provided an encouraging update on star defender Sam Taylor as he pushes to return for the club’s elimination final against the Saints.
Star GWS defender Sam Taylor is “ahead of schedule” but only ran laps on Saturday, one week out from a date with St Kilda and gun goalkicker Max King.
Taylor didn’t travel with the Giants for round 24’s crucial win over Carlton due to a hamstring injury.
The 2022 All-Australian was running laps on Saturday at GWS training and hit good speed but didn’t join in with drills.
Taylor looms as a critical player for the elimination final, as he would be almost certain to line up on King if fit.
The St Kilda spearhead bagged four goals in a 12-point win when the two sides met in round 10, a game in which Taylor didn’t play.
Giants coach Adam Kingsley said on Saturday afternoon that Taylor was still in the club’s rehab group.
“Sam had a training session prior to the main group, he is still in rehab but ahead of schedule so I am really pleased with how he is looking,” Kingsley told ABC Radio.
“I would say he is probably hitting 90 per cent today which is a great sign this early.”
Kingsley admitted his coaching staff would have to consider whether to risk Taylor in a final but said the defender is “not like most players”.
The Giants will also be sweating on livewire Toby Bedford’s availability.
The goalsneak will front the tribunal on Monday afternoon hoping to reverse a one-week suspension for a hit on Carlton’s Zac Fisher.
More Coverage
Sheezel the forward? Clarko hints at Roos shuffle
Nick Larkey, Jack Darling and Harry Sheezel? North Melbourne has given a hint one of its biggest talents could be used as an attacking weapon in 2025. See full track notes here.
Is Ricciuto’s future tied to Crows landing footy great?
After multiple attempts to lure one of footy’s most respected minds to the West Lakes, the future of Mark Ricciuto at the Crows could play a factor in discussions.