Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams has officially requested a trade to Sydney, but the Magpies are far from keen to part ways with the experienced on-baller.
Adams was one of the heartbreak stories of the Pies’ premiership win, missing the preliminary and grand final wins with a hamstring injury.
The 30-year old won the club’s best and fairest and was named All-Australian in 2020, and played 23 matches in 2023 until missing the two most crucial of all.
Having reportedly weighed up departing the Pies for a third club, after beginning his AFL career with a two-year stint at GWS in 2012-13, the veteran officially made his trade request on Sunday.
According to reports, the Swans have tabled a three-year contract offer for Adams, but complicating matters is the fact he remains tied to Collingwood until the end of 2024.
In a brief statement posted on the club website, the Magpies made their reluctance to trade Adams clear.
Taylor Adams of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
“Collingwood can confirm Taylor Adams has requested a trade to the Sydney Swans in the upcoming Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period,” the statement reads.
“Taylor is contracted until the end of 2024 and is a required player and leader.
“The Club will discuss the request with Sydney.”
Having moved to the periphery of the Magpies’ on-ball group and spending time at half-forward in the last two seasons thanks to the rise of Nick Daicos and arrival of Tom Mitchell in last season’s trade period, Adams would be a major boon for a Swans midfield set to be without co-captain Callum Mills for at least the start of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury suffered in a bizarre Mad Monday mishap.
Originally drafted with pick 13 in the 2011 national draft, Adams played 31 games across two seasons with the Giants before requesting to be traded to the Magpies, where he has to date played 175 further matches, including his 200th in Round 19.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Ash isn’t fit enough Don and needs to work on his defensive game. Adams is a warrior and will be sorely missed. Noble is just unlucky with Markov tipping him out.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Jack Buller would be terrific at The Pies...but they have Ash Johnson who they have treated terribly. Adams, Johnson, Noble...a few have been shafted. Yes, Adams, who believes a fitness test on Thursday instead of Tuesday would have got him a Premiership Medallion.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
As sad as it is to see him go, it gives the Pies the opportunity to grow their list. We have to start planning for a time beyond Pendlebury and Sidebottom and Mitchell.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Along with others. :crying: . Straightforward player, should do well at the Swans
Topper Headon
Roar Rookie
Sad to see Tay go, he is a heart and soul player and competitive beast. I wonder if the Pies portion of Grundy's contract comes into play here? If the move happens it opens up a regular spot for Macrae!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
One would assume he pleaded with coach to play him but it fell on deaf ears. Can’t blame him for leaving, unfortunate collateral damage for winning a premiership.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Nearly won 2018 off his own boot. So close Adams :unhappy:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Brilliantly said Kevo. Completely agree. I wonder if pick 23 gets it done. Jack Buller may be of interest.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
A la Paul Williams! He was reborn as a Swan.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Pies will let him go. Just playing some hard ball for a decent trade. He's had two huge disappointments. Would be hard being on the periphery of all the celebrations when he knows he was so close to being front and centre to it all and deserved to be, and now chances moving forward will be limited. Fate can be cruel with injuries and timing, and footy at the elite level can be brutal. Injuries and age are catching up to him, hope Adams does well with new opportunities at the Swans and he can finish his career on a good note.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Just make it happen, Pies. He's been an honest warrior for you and you've got the best out him yet he can't get a gig in your mid field anymore. Let him go so he can play where he belongs . . . in the middle.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
He’s requesting trade to dogs
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Just let the bloke leave he’s been heartbroken by not playing in GF don’t make matters worse , be humble pie :silly:
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
What Club do you think Melbourne James Harmes will go to Carlton, Western Bulldogs or Essendon....I Hope it's Carlton,?
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Tell me Beside Elijah Hollands,Hayden Crozier joining Carlton is there anybody coming to Carlton during Trade Week?
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
he his a big sook magpies should make him stay.