Sam Taylor is a graduate of the NAB AFL Academy and was selected at pick 28 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft. He is a tall defender who is strong overhead and very composed when under pressure. He uses the ball well when setting up play from defence and is team-oriented. Hailing from WA, he is the third of seven children. The quietly-spoken key defender impressed in his first season, earning a Rising Star nomination in his sixth game. In just a few short seasons, Taylor has established himself in the GIANTS' defence. After returning from a serious injury in 2021 the 22-year-old added another three years to his contract with the GIANTS, keeping him in orange and charcoal until at least the end of 2025.