Taylor Adams' pre-grand final approach to Swans comes to light after AFL trade
The former Collingwood player has secured his move to the Sydney Swans.
New details have emerged about the circumstances in which the Taylor Adams trade to Sydney came about, with reports his management approached the Swans during the finals series. Adams injured his hamstring in the first week of the AFL finals, and didn't recover in time to take his place in the grand final.
The midfielder was absolutely devastated when Collingwood beat Brisbane to win the flag, bursting into tears as he was consoled by teammates. Just days later it emerged that he'd requested a trade to Sydney, and new details have now come to light.
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On Wednesday, the Swans' list manager Kinnear Beatson revealed that Adams actually approached the club “really late in the finals series” about a possible trade. “The interest came really late in the finals series – it came between prelim and grand final week where he got his injury,” he said on SEN radio. “We were then approached by his manager to see if it was something we’d look at.”
It means when Adams was in tears after the grand final, he knew he'd probably played his last game for Collingwood. At the very least he knew a potential move was brewing.
Leading journalist Jon Ralph said Adams probably saw “the writing on the wall” when he was moved out of the starting midfield and forced to spend more time down back. His move to the Swans is aimed at getting more minutes in his preferred midfield.
“I think there was a fair element of him saying to his good mate Brodie Grundy, ‘look you’re going to Sydney; I can see what’s going to happen the next couple of years for me, I’d love to go to Sydney as well’,” Ralph said on Fox Footy. “(Sydney) don’t need these guys forever. I get the feeling after the last couple of days, Taylor could see the writing on the wall. Play one more year, and be surplus to (Collingwood’s) requirements.”
Taylor Adams posts emotional message after Collingwood exit
Adams will link up with former Magpies teammate Brodie Grundy after the Swans also landed a trade with Melbourne to get the veteran ruckman. Grundy will fill the Swans' No.1 ruck role after his partnership with Max Gawn fell flat at Melbourne this year.
Adams said in a video posted to social media on Wednesday: “Hey everyone. Crazy morning this morning. Emotions running high.
“Clearly mixed emotions at the moment. I just want to send a message out just to thank everyone involved in the Collingwood Football Club for what has been an incredible journey.
“Ten years ago, I walked into the doors as a 20-year-old kid with no real purpose or direction. I’ve just been supported through the ups and the downs. I’ve been given the opportunity to thrive in an environment where giving your best was always appreciated and supported and encouraged.”
Sydney gave up pick 33 to land Adams, and swapped pick 46 at this year's draft and a future second-round selection for Grundy. "Taylor brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field, and will be a great addition to our team," Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said in a statement. "He is an elite midfielder and an outstanding leader, and we believe his experience will not only help us win games but provide support for our developing young midfield."
Gardiner added about Grundy: "He is an outstanding person and an elite ruckman in the competition, and will be a fantastic addition to our club."
with AAP
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