Taylor Adams Opens Up About Collingwood Departure and Fresh Start with Sydney Swans
Sydney Swans newcomer Taylor Adams has shed further light on his departure from Collingwood, expressing that it was painful to feel like he didn’t have a role in the Magpies’ future plans.
After playing 175 games over nine seasons, Adams left Collingwood in the previous year’s trade period following their grand final victory – a game he missed due to a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the finals series.
The 30-year-old previously discussed his move after conversations late in the season with his manager, Winston Rous from Phoenix Management Group, as well as the disappointment of missing the grand final. Speaking on 3AW’s Wide World of Sports, Adams revealed that he and Rous had some heated discussions about the idea of a trade, as he had never envisioned leaving Collingwood. However, after speaking with key figures at Collingwood, including senior coach Craig McRae and football boss Graham Wright, Adams realized that he needed a fresh start elsewhere as the club was heading in a different direction.
Reflecting on his hamstring injury, Adams emphasized that it was his decision not to play in the grand final to avoid letting the team down. He credited his fiancée, Ellie, and his close circle for helping him navigate the tumultuous period following the grand final and his move to Sydney.
Adams, now back in Sydney where his AFL career began as a foundation member of the GWS Giants, expressed excitement about reuniting with former Magpies teammate Brodie Grundy and the opportunity to contribute to the Swans’ development.
Despite the challenging transition, Adams believes that moving to Sydney has been a smart decision for his football career and has brought him renewed energy both on and off the field. He sees it as an opportunity to prove himself right and validate the support he has received.