Greater Western Sydney defender Sam Taylor has opened up on some helpful advice he received from Swans star Lance Franklin when the pair went head-to-head in Round 18.
Franklin had the last laugh in the clash as Sydney ran home victors to the tune of 26 points in what was a chaotic match for both sides due to numerous COVID-19-enforced late changes.
The Swans veteran booted four goals in the 'battle of the bridge' derby, with the impressive Taylor unable to negate the four-time Coleman medallist.
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With 12 years and close to 300 games separating the pair, Taylor was under the tutelage of Franklin that evening in more ways than one.
The Giants backman, who was selected in the 22under22 squad this week, opened up on how Franklin was able to give him some opportune pointers at the contest.
“It was pretty funny,” Taylor told The Age.
“The tip was making sure I get my body closer to his body. There was one instant in the last quarter where he pushed me over.
“He was like 'do you want a tip'? And I was like 'of course'. Then he was like make sure you get your body, your hips closer to mine which stops me from pushing you over and using my arms to push you.
“I was like “OK”, I thanked him for it, I’ll use that.”
Taylor, known to frequently guard the opposition's best attacking target, had a career-best outing against the Cats just three weeks later, holding reigning Coleman Medal winner Tom Hawkins to one major in an upset win at Kardinia Park.
Taylor 17 intercepts, eight of which coming from marks, 21 disposals, 10 rebound 50s and seven pressure acts in a best-on-ground performance.
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Giants coach Leon Cameron lauded his young backman after the match, believing the 22-year-old would be in All-Australian contention if it wasn't for a ankle injury that kept him sidelined earlier in the season.
"If he wasn't injured throughout the middle of the year, he'd be probably in line for his first All-Australian (jumper)," Cameron said.
"He reads the ball so well, he wants to take on the big forwards and clearly there's none bigger than Hawkins.
"He's a wonderful player and (Taylor) will learn a lot from that."
Taylor is set for another tough task this weekend as the Giants face fellow finals hopefuls Richmond on Friday night.
The Tigers boast threatening pair Ton Lynch and Jack Riewoldt, who have combined for 77 goals this season.
