AFL Origin: West Australian Sam Taylor gets to scratch an itch by representing Black Swans against Victoria

Sam Taylor may be at Greater Western Sydney for life, but the superstar defender concedes representing Western Australia scratches an itch which comes with never playing for a club in his home state. Taylor has been announced as one of the marquee footballers to play in the AFL Origin clash between the Black Swans and Victoria at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14. The rivalry is being resurrected after a quarter of a century with state pride on the line and plenty of passionate Sandgropers have scrambled to pull on the black and gold. Taylor is joined by the likes of dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, Giants teammate Jesse Hogan, West Coast club champion Liam Baker and Fremantle ruck star Luke Jackson to have already been named for the historic clash. For the 26-year-old Giant who grew up in Bullsbrook in Perth’s north, it allows him to play for state pride after essentially rejecting any potential overtures to return home by signing a long-term deal at the NSW club which has him locked away until the end of 2032. “I am so honoured. It’s an amazing feeling and I cannot wait to get out there and represent my state,” Taylor told The West Australian. “It definitely scratches that itch; I love Western Australia and to be able to do this for the state team is such an honour. “I am not sure how many chances I will get to do this, so I am very proud.” It has been nearly a decade since Taylor represented WA at the Under-18 Championships alongside the likes of Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton, who he will team up with once again. “To play with these guys, just the talent WA has is pretty special and I think we’ll go well,” Taylor said. “There’s so many special names here and I am looking forward to playing with all of them.” Taylor also has a message for anyone expecting WA to take the game lightly because it is taking place only a month out from the AFL season — they’re heading to Optus Stadium to “crack in”. “I never watched any of the State of Origins but I’m sure the game will be pretty similar,” he said. “I feel as though there is a history between Victoria and Western Australia about which is the better footy state, and I am sure that won’t stop in this match. “I’ve spoken to Hoges and we both can’t wait to go out there and play, crack in really hard.” The team will be coached by one of Western Australia’s greatest modern-day footballers in Dean Cox, someone Taylor looked up to throughout his junior years. “I grew up watching him and during my career when I’ve crossed paths with him I’ve had good experiences,” he said. “He is a great fella and he’s a great coach.” Taylor has also fired a cheeky shot at Giants captain Toby Green who has already been announced as a representative for the Big V. “Hoges and I are pretty confident that should be an easy match-up, so no worries there,” he said.