GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Sam Taylor of the GWS Giants handballs during the round 19 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Metricon Stadium on July 25, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Star Giants defender Sam Taylor is facing a delayed start to his pre-season program after going undergoing surgery on his wrist.

Taylor enjoyed a career-year in 2022, earning All-Australian honours for his sterling efforts down back, as well the standing as the best and fairest player at Tom Wills Oval.

Across the course of his 22-game campaign, the defender accrued averages of 15.2 disposals, 8.6 one-percenters and six marks per week in 2022.

Yet, after scaling such individual heights, Taylor will now be forced to tackle the 2023 season from behind the pace after undergoing surgery in September.

According to reports from Josh Gabelich of AFL Media, the 23-year-old was hampered by the injury throughout the course of the season and will take a backseat in drills prior to the new year.

Taylor is expected to be joined by Matthew Flynn and Finn Callaghan on muted schedules prior to Christmas, with Lachie Whitfield also on lighter duties.

Since joining the Giants with the 28th selection of the 2017 National Draft, Taylor has pulled on the charcoal and orange on 75 occasions.