Cornes and Healy on the potential implications of GWS star’s “really nasty” injury

GWS have confirmed that superstar defender Sam Taylor will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a ruptured testicle in last Sunday’s win over Port Adelaide.

The All-Australian was sent for surgery with no timeline set for his return to play until he consults with specialists during his recovery.

In response to the news, SEN Sportsday duo Kane Cornes and Gerard Healy discussed how it could affect GWS while their star defender is sidelined.

Cornes described Taylor as perhaps the most important player to any team in the competition, while Healy thinks that the Giants are as well placed as any side to replace a gun key back.

Cornes: “Sam Taylor has been ruled out indefinitely with a really nasty injury, he's got a ruptured testicle.

“He has had surgery on that which will sideline him indefinitely, the gun defender underwent a procedure after he suffered the injury in the win over Port Adelaide on Sunday.

“In terms of premierships, Grand Finals, finals … and important players across each team, is there any more important player to any side than Sam Taylor and what he has done?

“I guess the flow-on effect for everyone else (will be big). Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg … they’re not the players they are without Sam Taylor in the side.

“So that’s a nasty one. It’s a huge game against the Swans this week.”

Healy: “Well, they’ve got Leek Aleer there.

“So, if any side is well suited to losing a gun defender, it's them.

“Brown and Riccardi give you some flexibility as well, at a pinch those two can go back.

“So, you’re right, but they’re not Sam Taylor.”

GWS face a huge test on Saturday as they host a 12-1 Sydney side in the Battle of the Bridge at ENGIE Stadium.