Sydney Swans midfielder Taylor Adams has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately.

Adams informed the playing group this morning that 2026 will be his final year, after 15 years and 229 games at the highest level.

The 32-year-old was originally taken with pick 13 in the 2011 draft by GWS, before being traded to Collingwood at the end of the 2013 season. The hard-working midfielder went on to have a stellar career with the Magpies, playing 175 games in the black and white, winning the Copeland Trophy in 2020 as the club’s best and fairest and gained All Australian selection in the same season.

Adams was traded to the Sydney Swans at the end of the 2023 season, playing 23 games in the Harbour City, before calling time on his career this morning.

Adams said he knew the time was right to retire now.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all three clubs I have played for and to have had an amazing football journey,” Adams said.

“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.”

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager, AFL Football, Leon Cameron, said Adams should be immensely proud of the career he has had.

“Taylor has been known around the league as one of the hardest working players in the competition for his entire career,” Cameron said.

“He’s had a unique footy journey which has taken him to three clubs but during that time he has been extremely professional and always got the best out of himself.

“I wish Taylor and his young family all the very best for whatever comes next, he will always be welcome at the Swans.”