Star GWS defender Sam Taylor has resisted the urge to return home to Western Australia by signing a bumper seven-year deal to remain with the Giants.

Off-contract at the end of 2025 when he would have become a free agent, Taylor has re-committed to GWS in a major win for the club.

One of the premier key defenders in the AFL, the 25-year-old would have been keenly sought if he chose to test the free agency market.

Instead, Taylor will stick with the Giants until at least the end of 2032.

“It’s a really exciting day for our club,” Giants football boss Jason McCartney said.

“Sam is a generational talent and has already proven himself as one of the best defenders in the competition in his career so far.

“He’s already an All-Australian, club champion and leader of our club and is continually focused on bettering himself, so we can’t wait to see where his career at the club takes him.

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“His commitment is a fantastic endorsement of our football program under (coach) Adam Kingsley and (captain) Toby Greene and we’re excited for the future.”

Taylor grew up in the northern suburbs of Perth, playing in the WAFL with Swan Districts before being drafted by the Giants in 2017.

After health issues impacted on the early part of his career, Taylor enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 when he was named an All-Australian and won the Giants’ club champion award.

He is the latest in a long line of GWS stars – including Greene, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio – to sign long-term contracts to remain with the Giants.

Taylor is the leader of GWS’ impressive defence, supported by Jack Buckley and emerging tall Leek Aleer.

After a bye last weekend, GWS will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Launceston to face in-form Hawthorn.

The Giants’ last outing was a memorable win at Geelong on May 25.

Meanwhile, promising Essendon midfielder Archie Perkins has signed a new contract tying him to the Bombers until the end of the 2026 season.

Perkins was drafted in 2020 and has made 71 appearances for Essendon.

Like Taylor, Brisbane Lions midfielder Hugh McCluggage is also expected to sign a seven-year contract to keep him in the Queensland capital.

McCluggage’s signature will be officially announced by the Lions on Tuesday.