Hard-luck Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams has called time on his AFL career after a tough run with soft-tissue injuries.
Adams retired on Monday after 15 years in the sport, having played 229 games for GWS, Collingwood and the Swans.
The 32-year-old hadn’t featured at AFL level this year, looking to complete his comeback from an off-season Achilles tear and later a hamstring strain.
But in his first VFL game back, Adams could not see out the first quarter against Southport and suffered another hamstring setback.
The veteran midfielder has struggled with persistent hamstring injuries, dating back to the end of his time at Collingwood when he missed the Magpies’ 2023 grand final win.
After moving to Sydney ahead of the 2024 season, Adams had been restricted to 23 games, including just four last year.
In a further cruel blow, in January, Adams was left unconscious after allegedly being assaulted at a licensed venue.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all three clubs I have played for and to have had an amazing football journey,” Adams said in a club statement.
“It was always a dream of mine to play at the highest level, so to have played AFL for well over a decade is something I should be really proud of.
“To the Giants, Pies and now the Swans, I want to say thank you to all three clubs and to all of the staff involved in my career along the way. It’s been a great journey, but I’m now ready for another chapter.”
Adams was drafted to GWS with pick No 13 in 2011 and made his debut the following season, before being traded to Collingwood at the end of 2013.
The hard-running midfielder soared to new heights with the Magpies, playing 175 games and earning an All-Australian nod and the club’s best and fairest honours in 2020.
He played 19 games in his first season at the Swans, but missed out on a spot in the 2024 grand final against Brisbane under then-coach John Longmire.
AAP
