IMPRESSIVE Greater Western Sydney draftee Sam Taylor has inked a contract extension and declared himself fit to play in next week's elimination final against the Swans at the SCG.
The defender has added one year to his initial deal, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
Taylor is one of several injured Giants pressing to be included to face the Swans next Saturday.
He injured his hamstring in the club's 105-point win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium in round 20, the same game GWS also lost Toby Greene (hamstring), Brett Deledio (calf) and Dawson Simpson (ankle).
In addition to that quartet, Matt de Boer (hamstring) pulled up sore and was a late withdrawal from the side that defeated Adelaide in Canberra the following week.
Taylor, Greene, Deledio and de Boer all look set to be available to face the Swans, with Ryan Griffen (hamstring) and Aidan Corr (groin) also in the mix.
The Giants' third selection (No. 28 overall) at last year's NAB AFL draft, Taylor has looked at home playing in the back half in eight games this year, after making his debut in round 11 against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
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The West Australian told AFL.com.au that he's over his hamstring issue and ready for his first final against the Swans if picked by coach Leon Cameron next week.
"To be on the sidelines for the past month and not be able to do anything to help the boys has been difficult, it's hard to watch," he said.
"I was playing decent footy too until I got injured, but I'm feeling really confident now and the body is ready to go."
The 19-year-old is a quietly-spoken personality off the field, but fiercely competitive once he chucks his boots on, and made an immediate impact at the Giants with the way he goes about his footy.
He paid tribute to GWS co-captain Phil Davis, who is having a career-best season himself as the team's anchor in defence, for helping him negotiate his way through the difficulties of life at senior level.
"Everything from on the field, to stuff off the field, Phil has been the biggest help for me this year," he said.
"Just simple things like a pat on the back on the field, it just gives me a lift and makes me feel like a vital part of the team.
"He just does everything he can to help me be a better player, and the whole backline group, we're very accountable for each other and it's a very strong group."
If Taylor is selected for the elimination final, he'll likely get the job on fellow draftee Tom McCartin, another youngster who has enjoyed a strong debut season thanks to his competitiveness inside 50 for the Swans.
