GWS Giants forward Jesse Hogan has stated that it would mean "everything" for teammate Sam Taylor to remain at the club after it was reported that he is set to receive offers from several rival sides.
Off-contract at the end of the 2025 season, Taylor has become one of the best key defenders in the AFL in recent seasons and his ability to take intercept marks with ease was a huge factor in earning All-Australian honours in 2022.
Before sustaining a serious hamstring injury last season, he was firming for his second All-Australian blazer but failed to secure a successive selection due to his limited campaign.
A Swan Districts junior in the WAFL, Taylor is set to receive contract offers from rival clubs such as the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles - which would see him return home to Western Australia - if he enters free agency.
Having played with and against him, Jesse Hogan spoke about what it would mean to have him fend off other offers and remain at the Giants for the long term as the club looks to clinch its maiden AFL premiership.
Admitting that they have amazing battles with each other during training sessions, Hogan believes he is one of the "best key backs in the competition" alongside the likes of Harris Andrews, Darcy Moore and Steven May.
"Everything, mate," Hogan told Zero Hanger when asked what it would mean for Sam Taylor to remain at the Giants.
"I think he's arguably, if not the best key back in the competition.
"He's the ultimate competition. He's the most competitive key back I've ever played on.
"Even in training he doesn't want to give an edge, so we just love running out with blokes like that.
"It just resonates with everyone else; it's contagious. We'd love (to have him stay). It's a very important signature for us, and we're hoping to get that done."
It is understood that the GWS Giants and Taylor have begun preliminary talks over a new contract as the 24-year-old will hit free agency next season.
One of the many successful players to come out of the GWS system, Taylor has helped lead the Giants' defence and even earned the Kevin Sheedy Medal two seasons ago for being the club's best and fairest winner.
In his opening two games this season, Taylor has averaged 14 disposals, five intercept marks, and five spoils - the first two statistics being higher than his career average of 12.8 and 2.8 respectively.
In a 2023 AFL Fan Survey by SEN, 31.5 per cent of fans believed Taylor was the best key defender in the competition, followed by Andrews (19.5 per cent) and Moore (18.6 per cent).