Giants footy boss explains “no-brainer” call to hand Taylor AFL-equalling monster contract

GWS General Manager of Football has explained the club’s decision to re-sign defender Sam Taylor on a seven-year contract extension.

The superstar defender was set to come out of contract at the end of next season, with his new deal now tying him to the club until the end of the 2032 campaign.

Having a contract until the end of 2032 means that Taylor has the equal-longest contract in the AFL, alongside Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton and Port Adelaide midfielder Connor Rozee.

Given Taylor was set to enter restricted free agency in 16 months’ time, McCartney says it was a no-brainer to hand the defender such a long deal.

He believes that rival clubs would have also been prepared to hand Taylor a monster contract and probably would have put deals of even longer than seven years to the 25-year-old.

“It’s fantastic news for the footy club,” McCartney told SEN Sportsday.

“Obviously, Sam was due to come out of contract next year as a restricted free agent.

“We know the landscape around that and how it operates, and I know (Sportsday host) Kane Cornes is not a fan of the long-term contract … but this is a no-brainer.

“It's a reality now with free agency because if you’ve got a good free agent - and obviously Sam is one of the highest quality that would be available next year – if you’re not prepared to go there, someone else certainly will and probably longer.”

McCartney was thrilled that Taylor put pen to paper as he hails from Western Australia and reports suggested both Perth-based clubs were keen on his services.

He commended the 2022 All-Australian for his efforts at the club and was thrilled to call him a ‘Giant for life’.

“We’re feeling great, he's obviously a wonderful player, great competitor and just a great person around our footy club.

“To have someone drafted from Western Australia come to the Giants (and commit long term is impressive).

“He's locked in as a Giant for life. It’s incredible what he's done for our program and our club in general.

“It’s great to have that signature.”

No other GWS players are signed beyond 2029, with Harry Himmelberg and Josh Kelly their next longest-contracted players.