Giants star taken to hospital after nasty collision

Giants defender Sam Taylor has been taken to hospital following a heavy collision with Saints midfielder Jack Steele during the first quarter of the teams’ clash at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Taylor was taken from the field on a stretcher after a clash of heads with Steele while attempting to spoil a downfield kick.

The 24-year-old did not brace for impact as he hurtled towards the ground which could indicate that he was knocked out in the air from the contact.

After a lengthy nine-minute delay as medical staff attended to an unconscious Taylor, both coaches gathered their sides.

“He’s not in a good way, without stating the obvious. He hasn’t moved as the medical staff still surround him,” Fox Footy commentator Mark Howard said.

The Giants have confirmed that Taylor was conscious and speaking in the rooms but was taken to Canberra Hospital for further assessment.

“He’s gone to Canberra Hospital for further assessment. But he was conscious and speaking as he got in the ambulance,” Giants footy boss Jason McCartney told Fox Footy.

“Obviously it didn’t look great, but he’s a courageous kid. He’s in the very best hands now and he’ll be fine.”