AFL trade 2023: Sydney making play for Collingwood leader Taylor Adams

Sydney has launched a bold play to try and secure Collingwood co-vice captain Taylor Adams during the trade period, leaving the Magpie with a big decision to make.

The Sydney Swans are eyeing Magpie Taylor Adams. Picture: Getty Images

Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams’ desire for more midfield time could see him seek a trade to Sydney next week, with the Swans eager to add his leadership and contested-ball winning talents to their young on-ball brigade.

Adams, 30, was one of the heartbreaking stories of the Magpies’ premiership success, having missed the club’s last two finals due to a hamstring strain.

But a series of key meetings in the coming days will determine where Adams will play his football next season.

He has fielded strong interest from the Swans to make him part of their 2024 midfield core, where he could reunite with his former Pies teammate Brodie Grundy, who will head to the Harbour City in a trade.

Adams will meet with Collingwood coach Craig McRae and general manager of football Graham Wright within the next 48 hours to discuss his future.

He will travel to Europe on Sunday, but is expected to conduct an online interview with Swans officials early next week before making a final decision on his future.

Taylor Adams missed the premiership because of an injured hamstring. Picture: Michael Klein

He still has one more season left on his current Collingwood contract, but the Swans could potentially offer more security for Adams in any deal for 2024 and beyond.

The Swans are a low contested possession team and will be missing midfielder Callum Mills for the early part of the 2024 season after his recent mishap, so securing Adams in a trade could help to alleviate some of those concerns.

He has worked successfully with Grundy in the past and the Swans believe the experienced pair can play a huge part in boosting the club’s midfield stocks, along with the inclusion of Melbourne premiership player James Jordon, who joins the club as a free agent.

Adams is one of Collingwood’s most popular players, playing 175 of his 206 games with the Magpies. He would have played in last Saturday’s grand final if he had not been injured.

He played a selfless role at half forward for much of this season, with his leadership playing a part in the Magpies’ push deep into September.

Adams won credit for ruling himself out of the grand final on the Tuesday before the clash with Brisbane, knowing he wasn’t 100 per cent right to play, and for supporting teammates on an emotional grand final day.

Adams could join Brodie Grundy at the Swans. Picture: Getty Images

A trade to Sydney could be a win-win scenario for all involved.

It would mean the Swans would have access to a player they believe can help them push deep into the finals next year after bowing out in the elimination final to Carlton this year, while it would also provide more opportunities for young Magpies including Fin Macrae and Ed Allan.

It would also free up a more permanent forward line slot for Jack Ginnivan.

Adams faces an agonising decision as he balances his genuine investment in the Magpies’ group alongside his desire to play his more natural crash and bash midfield role.

He has endured a challenging past few seasons, missing key games in the past two finals series with groin and soft-tissue injuries. But, leaving aside his finals injury this year, he did manage an equal career-best 23 games in 2023, playing in an unfamiliar defensive half forward role.