Sydney Swans veteran Taylor Adams will require "a few days" to return to the AFL club following a distressing incident last Saturday night that left him unconscious. The 35-year-old midfielder was notably absent from the club's team photo day on Tuesday, with Swans coach Dean Cox confirming Adams is recovering well after the alarming episode.
Police Investigation Underway After Nightclub Altercation
Adams was transported to hospital on Saturday night after being knocked unconscious across the road from a licensed venue in Sydney's eastern suburb of Rose Bay. According to NSW Police, the former Collingwood midfielder was allegedly assaulted following an argument with two men near Vickery Avenue in the harbourside suburb just after 10pm.
The incident occurred as Adams was attempting to make his way home, according to coach Cox. "He was out the front trying to go home," Cox explained on Tuesday. "Now it's a matter of dealing with the NSW Police, and Taylor going through that process as well."
Details of the Assault and Recovery
During the altercation, Adams was knocked to the ground and briefly lost consciousness. He sustained a small cut to his cheek during the incident. Both men involved had left the scene before police arrived, and authorities confirmed the individuals were not known to Adams personally.
Adams was released from hospital on Sunday morning and has since provided a brief update through his social media channels. "To everyone that has sent their love, thank you," Adams wrote on his Instagram story. "I am doing okay. This is now a police matter, and I won't be commenting further."
Club Support and Player Welfare Focus
Cox revealed the club was notified "as soon as the incident happened" and immediately addressed the playing group about the situation on Monday. The Swans have implemented comprehensive support measures for Adams and his family during this challenging period.
"We make sure that everything's good at home, everything's fine with Ellie (Adams' wife), and provide as much as we possibly can," Cox stated. The coach emphasized the club's ongoing commitment to player education about community responsibilities and personal safety.
"We touch on that every year with the players, about making sure we understand the role we have in the community, who we represent," Cox explained. "But then on top of that as well, just to be careful no matter where you are. The scenarios that you might face, players are all aware of, and hopefully you make the right decision at the right time."
Injury Rehabilitation and Season Prospects
The assault incident comes during a crucial rehabilitation period for Adams, who has spent his pre-season recovering from a partial Achilles tendon tear suffered in December. The midfielder played just four games last season due to recurring hamstring injuries, making his current recovery particularly significant for the Swans' upcoming campaign.
"He's probably halfway through his 12-week injury rehab," Cox noted regarding the Achilles recovery. "He'd spent a lot of time getting back on the training track and following that program intensely, so he'll take a few days. We'll keep monitoring, make sure everything's OK, and he'll progress according to how he's feeling."
Despite the setback, Cox remains optimistic about Adams' availability for the club's opening-round match against Carlton in March. "It was quite unique, that injury, so the time frame was always going to be sketchy with when we could get back," the coach acknowledged. "He's been doing a heap of off-legs and building into a running program, so hopefully he's back within the group within a couple of weeks."
Additional Team Absences
Adams wasn't the only notable absence from Tuesday's team photo session. Star ruckman Brodie Grundy also missed the event after suffering a concussion during match simulation training, highlighting the physical challenges facing the Swans squad as they prepare for the upcoming AFL season.
The club continues to support both players through their respective recovery processes while maintaining focus on their preparation for what promises to be a competitive 2024 AFL campaign.
