Why a TSL tiger cub is losing his stripes and off to play in the big smoke

He was planning on another season in the TSL but when the VFL came knocking it was an opportunity too good to pass up for emerging Tigers star.

Zach Adams in action against Clarence on Saturday. Photo courtesy of CMW Photography

HE was planning on another season in the TSL but when the VFL came knocking it was an opportunity too good to pass up for emerging star Zach Adams who will join good mate and fellow former Tiger Jordan Lane at Port Melbourne next season.

Adams will join the Borough after another stellar season in the yellow and black in which the dashing winger played a crucial role in the Tigers maiden TSL grand final appearance.

Adams finished the year averaging 20 disposals per game while being ranked ‘elite’ by Premier Data for kicks, marks, intercept marks, contested marks, inside 50s, and rebound 50s.

Zach Adams (left) has signed with Port Melbourne in the VFL. Picture: Linda Higginson

While Adams said it was a tough decision to leave the Twin Ovals, he said the opportunity to test himself at a higher level was too good to pass up.

“I never planned on leaving the Tigers and it was a very hard decision but I thought if I didn’t take this opportunity then who knows if it would ever come around again,” Adams said.

“I saw it as a great opportunity for me and thought I might as well have a crack while I’m young, and I’m pretty excited about it.”

The 21-year-old apprentice electrician will be part of a new Tasmanian trio at Port Melbourne next season following Lane’s signing as well as Adams’ former Devils teammate Sam Collins.

Adams said he had Lane to thank for the major opportunity, with the star forward attracting the eyes of Port Melbourne which ultimately led to Adams’ big break.

“It all came about when Port Melbourne’s coach Adam [Skrobalak] was looking at ‘Laney’ and apparently every time the ball got kicked to him I kept popping up and from that they decided to get me on board.

Adams in actions against Launceston in this year’s TSL Grand Final. Picture: Linda Higginson.

“Then they reached out to me when ‘Laney’ first went over and spoke with the club and then when they offered me a contract I thought about what a big opportunity this is and now that I’ve made the move I’m pretty stoked.

“Having ‘Laney’ there definitely topped off my decision and also as soon as I heard Sam Collins was heading there I thought it would be great to play with those two boys and get the opportunity to play at a higher level which is nice.”

While Adams was thrilled about his new venture, he was quick to heap praise on the club that saw his develop rapidly over the past two seasons.

“I want to thank [Tigers coach] Trent [Baumeler] and the Tigers for the opportunities they’ve given me as they’ve been great to me and I can’t thank them enough.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without Trent, and Kieran [Lovell], and Lachie [Clifford] and the leaders of the club.

“It’s hard leaving when we were so close to winning a flag this year but those guys were happy for me to take the opportunity.”

Zach Adams in action against Clarence earlier this year. Photo courtesy of CMW Photography

Adams, who will make the permanent move to Melbourne after Christmas, said he was eager to make the most of his new-found opportunity.

“I went over [to Melbourne] for the first time on Friday for a training camp and the club is great and the boys were so welcoming and the facilities and coaches are great.

“My main goal is to just play my first game which would be unreal. There’s a lot of talent there and I’m just excited to up my game and train hard and see what it can take me.”