Young defender Sam Taylor has put pen to paper on a contract extension, tying him to the GIANTS until the end of 2022.

One of the most promising key defenders in the competition, Taylor has locked down an important defensive post in his first 23 games.

Taylor added a year to his original two-year contract in 2018 before signing another two-year extension this week.

Dominant NEAFL form proved impossible to ignore in his first season with the now 20-year-old debuting in round 11 last year.

Missing just one game before a hamstring injury ended his season, Taylor has returned in 2019 in stunning form considering his age and experience.

GIANTS List Manager Jason McCartney said Taylor’s signature is an important one in setting up the long-term future of the club.

“We knew we picked a competitive and determined player when we selected Sam in the 2017 Draft and we’re ecstatic with his rapid development,” he said.

“He’s ruthless on the field yet shy and humble off the field and we’re thrilled he’s added another two years to his contract.

“He has seamlessly slotted into our back six alongside co-captain Phil Davis and has already become an incredibly important member of our team.

“We’re really excited about his continued development and where he can take his football over the coming years.”

Taylor credited the club’s welfare and development team of Brett Hand and Dylan Addison with helping the initial move to Sydney as he gets set to stay long-term.

“They definitely made it a lot easier to move to Sydney,” he said.

“The welfare group are great and they look after you so we’re in great hands.

“We have a lot of experienced players but the next generation of GIANTS are coming through. 

“It’s a great future ahead of us and I’m just looking forward to seeing what we can become.”

Taylor has re-signed just days after fellow emerging back Connor Idun with the pair following in the footsteps of Josh Kelly, Jacob Hopper, Nick Haynes, Adam Kennedy, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels and Matt de Boer this year.