Key defender Sam Taylor has been ruled out of the Giants' Anzac Day match against Brisbane next week as he continues to recover from concussion.

The 24-year-old sustained a significant head knock last weekend with St Kilda captain Jack Steele, which he was hospitalised for, and subsequently entered the mandatory concussion protocols, ruling him out for a minimum of 12 days.

It was evident Taylor would miss this weekend's clash against Carlton but there was some hope he would recover in time to face Brisbane next Thursday.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Sam Taylor of the Giants handballs during the round 20 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Mars Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Taylor hasn't previously suffered from a concussion, but the Giants are taking a conservative approach due to the severity of the head knock by giving the defender another week off.

The club does not want to push his recovery and is taking all precautionary measures to ensure he has a full recovery.

It's hoped the All-Australian defender will be able to return for the Sydney derby in Round 8.

Taylor has had a consistent start to the season playing all games up to date for the Giants, so it's hoped this incident is not a serious setback for the key defender.

Teammate Stephen Coniglio will also miss the next fortnight with a knee injury while veteran Callan Ward is set to replace him.

Speaking on Thursday, coach Adam Kingsley hinted at where the Giants will look to fill the void left by Coniglio and Taylor.

Stephen Coniglio

"We've got some good depth in our list that can replace those guys," Kingsley said.

"I think Cal will find his way back in, we're pretty happy with his VFL game last week. So I would expect he replaces 'Cogs'.

"We feel like we've got some defensive options to come back in. All our boys are in pretty good form... Leek Aleer will certainly be in that (mix), and Nick Haynes will be in that discussion.

"I imagine they will be the two we'll talk most about to replace Sam."