Sam Taylor weighs up Origin future as Giants eye finals charge

GWS Giants defender Sam Taylor has left the door ajar on his State of Origin future while backing his side to mount a serious charge in the back half of the season. The star backman’s comments come as the Giants look to build on recent form and push towards September action.

Origin Decision Looming

Taylor’s relationship with the representative arena remains complicated. The talented defender has been a standout performer for the Giants this season, but whether he’d pull on the Origin jersey again is another question entirely.

“I’m not really sure about that one,” Taylor said when pressed on his Origin future. It’s an honest response from a player who’s clearly weighing up the demands of representative footy against his club commitments.

The annual State of Origin clash always throws up selection headaches, and Taylor’s form this year would certainly put him in the conversation. But the 25-year-old seems more focused on what he can control — helping the Giants string together wins when it matters most.

Giants Building Momentum

Where Taylor shows no uncertainty is in his belief that the Giants can make noise in the final rounds of the season. The club has shown glimpses of their best footy this year, and Taylor reckons there’s plenty more in the tank.

“I’m confident we can make a charge,” Taylor said. That confidence isn’t misplaced — the Giants have the talent across the park to trouble anyone on their day, and with players like Josh Kelly pulling the strings in the middle, they’re never an easy assignment.

The defensive unit Taylor anchors has been crucial to their improved form, and his read of the play from the back half continues to impress. Getting that balance right between Origin commitments and club form is always tricky, but Taylor seems to have his priorities sorted.

September Push

The Giants know they can’t afford to drop games if they want to play meaningful footy in September. Taylor’s form will be crucial to that push, particularly given how well he’s reading the play and organising the defensive structure.

With the AFL season reaching its business end, every game carries extra weight. The Giants have shown they can match it with the best sides when everything clicks, and Taylor’s leadership from the back half will be vital in making that happen consistently.

Whether he lines up for Origin down the track is a decision for another day. Right now, it’s all about helping the Giants make the most of their 2026 campaign.

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FD — Sports reporter, australiafootball.com