Defender Sam Taylor will become the 89th GIANT when he makes his AFL debut on Sunday in the GIANTS’ Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. 

The 19-year-old was drafted with pick 28 of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft and becomes the fourth GIANT to make their AFL debut this year.

Taylor is one of five additions to the GIANTS 26-man squad for the crucial round 11 encounter with the Crows.

Captain Phil Davis, Sam Reid, Dawson Simpson and Brent Daniels have all been added to the 26-man squad, while Tim Mohr is the only confirmed omission with the final 22 to be announced at 5:00pm on Friday. 

The Swan Districts product who is one of seven children said he’s excited to be making his debut. 

“I’m over the moon, I’ve been playing good football but I never thought this would come,” he said. 

“Every week I’ve been looking to improve my game and play the best football I can. 

“It’s a dream come true really.” 

GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said the 196cm defender deserves his opportunity having averaging 18.7 disposals across his past four games in the NEAFL and keeping the competition’s leading goal kicker Matthew Hammelmann goalless in last Saturday’s win over Redland.

“His games down back as a key defender have been outstanding,” he said.

“Sam’s a competitive animal and never gets beaten in one-on-ones and in the end that’s why he’s playing.”

Small forward Brent Daniels could also make his AFL debut, with the 19-year-old named on an extended interchange. 

Adelaide v GIANTS
Sunday June 3 at 4:10pm
Adelaide Oval

FB: Sam Taylor, Aidan Corr, Adam Tomlinson

HB: Harry Perryman, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield

C: Zac Langdon, Stephen Coniglio, Heath Shaw

HF: Tim Taranto, Jeremy Cameron, Jacob Hopper

FF: Jon Patton, Harry Himmelberg, Daniel Lloyd

Ruck: Rory Lobb, Dylan Shiel, Josh Kelly 

Interchange (four to be omitted): Sam Reid, Dawson Simpson, Matt Buntine, Dylan Buckley, Ryan Griffen, Phil Davis, Brent Daniels, Callan Ward.