Coming off a five-day break, the Giants made eight forced changes to their team and picked 10 players with fewer than 25 games’ experience for the GMHBA Stadium clash.
Taylor stood tall as part of an undermanned defensive unit, repelling countless Cats’ attacks.
It was the 22-year-old’s fifth game back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for almost two months.
“If he wasn’t injured throughout the middle of the year, he’d be probably in line for his first All-Australian (jumper),” Cameron said.
Geelong cut a 38-point margin back to nine points in the final term and had enough time to steal a come-from-behind win.
But the Giants ultimately held firm under pressure for a gutsy victory that boosted their finals chances, with Taylor a central figure in the closing stages.
“Sam’s significant last quarter was just first-class,” Cameron said.
“He’s a wonderful player and will learn a lot from this.
“He likes those big moments and he just seems to keep doing them week in week out.
“Our boys just grow so much confidence when he’s out there.”
The Giants next do battle with Carlton on Saturday, August 14, with time and venue to be confirmed.
