‘A fresh start’: Taylor Adams opens up on Collingwood departure and linking up with the Sydney Swans
Moving on from the disappointment of missing out on the Pies’ flag win wasn’t the reason Taylor Adams left Collingwood. He opens up on the ‘main driving point’ that saw him join Sydney.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Memories don’t come more bittersweet than Taylor Adams’ final days in Collingwood colours.
Following 10 seasons and 175 games, the Pies’ vice-captain was forced to watch on from the sidelines through injury as his side defeated the Lions to win their first premiership in 12 seasons.
As he took to the MCG after the game, he was in tears as he embraced his teammates and celebrated the ultimate triumph. A week later, Adams was preparing for a new life in Sydney.
“I didn’t think I’d be in different colours until five or six days after the grand final,” Adams said.
“It never crossed my mind, so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but that’s okay.
“My manager suggested I needed to put some time and effort into seeing what was around. I allowed him to do that 10 days before the grand final but told him not to mention anything to me, which he didn’t.
“Monday after the grand final the flight was booked, and I came up here and the only club I spoke to was Sydney and it felt like a great fit.
“I spoke to the footy club at Collingwood, Graham Wright and Fly (Craig McRae) about the way it transpired, and they were comfortable. My teammates know, people that I really care about know and that’s the sort of person I am.”
Adams played an integral role in the Pies’ journey to the flag over the past decade but found himself starved of midfield opportunities.
After sitting down and realising just how much footy he had ahead of him, the 30-year-old decided that a move would be the best option.
“Clearly from my point of view, it would have been nice to be a part of the grand final, but so it goes,” Adams said. “They’ve been incredible learning years for me [at Collingwood].
“I was clearly playing out of my preferred position at Collingwood towards the end of the year and there’s probably space for another inside midfielder at the Swans. So that was the main driving point.
“The footy club is in a great position, they played in the grand final two years ago and finals this year. It’s an exceptionally talented young group coming through that I can help with some leadership and off-field guidance.
“It’s a fresh start for myself and my fiance to remove ourselves from the bubble, get up to the Eastern Suburbs and try something new.”
Leadership and experience have been buzzwords around the Swans this off-season as they look to capitalise on the premiership window they find themselves in.
Following their elimination final loss, John Longmire emphasised that his squad just needed a few senior heads to help elevate the entire group, as clubs looked to emulate the Collingwood blueprint over the past two years.
In Adams, as well as Brodie Grundy, Joel Hamling and James Jordon, the Swans have added All-Australian and premiership players. And while leadership wasn’t always something Adams felt he was destined for, he’s ready to make a difference.
“I probably didn’t even know how to spell leadership at that point when I was 18 just out of school,” Adams said.
“I’m not here to change the culture of this great football club. I’m here to add a little bit of value to it and help those guys who have been doing it for such a long time.
“I think they’ve identified that they’ve got so much young talent and there’s a bit of a gap and there’s too much left for (Dane) Rampes, (Luke) Parks, (Callum) Millsy, those older guys. Your senior leaders can get tired … and it’s important you don’t leave too much to too few.
“Collingwood went out and got guys that they felt were able to fill voids. It was really targeted recruiting. And I think most teams would be silly not to follow that.”
And while there will be plenty of eyes on how Adams links up with Grundy in Sydney’s new-look midfield, the former Collingwood man is just excited to help transform a squad he hopes can finally help him achieve his ultimate dream.
“It’s great to be back around the big fella,” Adams said. “He’s a guy I learned so much from when we were playing together.
“We had some great years as well – both All-Australian, played in a granny and a prelim. I’m glad he’s going to be back playing where he deserves to be playing.
“There’s only one thing I want to get my hands on, it’s pretty obvious. When you get towards the pointy end of your career it becomes even more [about a premiership]. Hopefully, that’s the reason I’m here and we can obtain one.
“We’re a long way from the 30th of September 2024. But there’s the makings of a really good team here and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘A fresh start’: Taylor Adams opens up on Collingwood departure and linking up with the Sydney Swans
Festival of Lies: Clubs ‘treating public for fools’ in trade spotlight
It’s the time of year for list managers and recruiters to shine, but the trade period has become a festival of lies. SCOTT GULLAN writes, the days of getting away with such gibberish are gone.
Revealed: Staggering asking price leaves Blue out in cold
The huge price Carlton forward Matt Owies has put on his head can be revealed as rival clubs baulk at his contract demands. Recap all the action from day 2 of the trade period here.