“We were approached by his manager.”
Sydney have revealed interest in a trade was sparked by Taylor Adams’ management prior to last month’s grand final, leading the Magpie to move to the Swans this off-season.
In what has emerged as arguably the most surprising trade of 2023, the former Giant will return to New South Wales ahead of next year after requesting a trade to the Swans despite having a year to run on his contract.
A deal was finalised on Wednesday evening, with Collingwood receiving Pick 33 in exchange for the 206-gamer, who has signed a three-year agreement with the Swans to extend his career and likely earn greater opportunities in the red and white.
Adams was among the heart-break stories of the grand final, having missed the season decider after sustaining a hamstring injury in week two of the finals series.
It has now been revealed that Adams’ management got in contact with Sydney in regard to a potential trade following the Magpies’ preliminary final win over GWS and prior to their premiership-clinching victory against the Lions.
Swans list manager Kinnear Beatson told SEN that the interest was stimulated by Adams’ party “very late” into the September series.
“To be honest, that was really late. Very late in the finals series. If I had to hazard a guess, somewhere between the preliminary final and grand final when he got his injury,” Beatson said.
“We were approached by his manager whether it would be something we’d look at.
“We were looking to bolster our midfield with an experienced player who was a good stoppage player with some power.
“It was very late and it grew from there pretty quickly to be honest… we’re really pleased with his acquisition no doubt.”
Adams was the fourth player of this exchange period to head to the Swans, with Melbourne pair James Jordon and Brodie Grundy also heading north, while Fremantle defender Joel Hamling signed as a free agent.
Grundy was traded to Sydney 12 months on from his Collingwood departure, with the Demons acquiring Pick 46 and a future second-round selection in exchange for his services.
The quartet of additions headline a strong off-season window for the Swans, who still hold their first-round selections for this year (Pick 12) and next
