AFL grand final: Collingwood’s Taylor Adams ruled out with hamstring injury

Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams has been ruled out of the season decider after another training mishap on Tuesday.

Taylor Adams left training early on Tuesday and has been ruled out of the grand final. Picture: Michael Klein

Collingwood has ruled vice-captain Taylor Adams out of the grand final after he left the training track early on Tuesday with hamstring tightness.

Adams only lasted 30 minutes during the open session at Olympic Park, heading indoors and speaking to fitness staff after taking a shot at goal.

Collingwood released a statement on Tuesday afternoon saying the experienced midfielder-forward would not play.

Taylor Adams speaks to a Magpies strength and conditioning staff member at training on Tuesday. Picture: Michael Klein

Magpies football boss Graham Wright said the 30-year-old had “left no stone unturned” trying to make it back in time for Saturday, but the Pies could not roll the dice on him after the setback.

“Unfortunate news for Taylor Adams who experienced hamstring awareness during training today which will see him miss the grand final,” Wright said.

“Taylor is an ultimate professional and a true leader both on and off the field and we will wrap our arms around him and continue to support him this week.

Jack Payne completed training on Tuesday and is firming to play in the grand final as he recovers from an ankle injury. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“Taylor was incredibly eager to be out there with his teammates and left no stone unturned in his rehabilitation and recovery and we all share in his disappointment.”

But the news was more positive for Brisbane defender Jack Payne, who remains a chance to regain his place as he tries to overcome an ankle issue.

Payne completed Tuesday’s open training session, where he was also put through extra exercises to test his ankle.

The 23-year-old will again train on Thursday before a final decision is made when the Lions announce their grand final team that evening.

Darcy Gardiner looms as an unlucky omission after the experienced Lion performed strongly in place of Payne against Carlton in the preliminary final.