AFL great makes huge call on Taylor Adams as Sydney Swans face selection dilemma ahead of finals

Leigh Montagna has questioned whether Taylor Adams will find himself back in the Swans outfit come the AFL finals with a number of superstars set to return in the coming weeks. The Swans went a long way in wrapping up the minor premiership last Friday having defeated Essendon by 39 points in Melbourne.

And after a poor run a few weeks back, the Swans have rediscovered the form that sent them to the top of the ladder for the majority of the year. This has coincided with Luke Parker's return to form playing as a forward-midfielder for John Longmire. Parker once again impressed on Friday night as he led the Swans with his experience with the ball.

Meanwhile, Adams was subbed off on Friday night and questions were raised over his own form in the absence of a number of key players. Adams devastatingly missed out in the AFL grand final win for Collingwood last year against the Lions because of a hamstring injury.

AFL great Montagna also believes Adams could make way in the Swans' midfield this year with a number of superstars set to return to usher in the finals. “Luke Parker has certainly done a great job with his role as a forward-midfielder, so I think there is a big decision coming,” St Kilda great Leigh Montagna said on Fox Sports' First Crack.

“There’s a story brewing here, going into finals, because we know Chad Warner (will be back) for finals, Tom Papley and Justin McInerney (will also return). There’s three walk-up starts for only two spots — Caiden Cleary and Corey Warner were the two that you (could) come in for.

“There’s going to be one other omission out of the team for the first final, and for me, it looks like Taylor Adams — who’s come to Sydney to play in finals. He was hurt by what happened at Collingwood, but he got subbed out (of the Essendon game) with 14 disposals and only two score involvements off the back of the Collingwood game the week before (when he had) 10 disposals and two score involvements.

“It’s going to be a tough call, but I think if those three boys are fit going into the first final — with the team they’ve got and the balance they have — I think Taylor Adams is going to be the story to miss out.” Adam's is currently producing the worst numbers of his brilliant career. The former Collingwood ace is averaging 17.2 disposals, which is the lowest number of his 13 seasons in the AFL. He is also averaging 2.6 inside-50s and 2.6 clearances.

Sydney Swans selection drama can wait

Two-time premiership winner David King agreed there could be a selection call from Longmire, but does not believe it will be next week. King claimed Longmire should not take any chances with his superstars and said the Swans need to take a fresh team into the first week of finals footy.

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“And I know it’s a bad look, and I know it’s not the absolute perfect preparation going into a final, but I’m not losing one (important player)," King added. “I’m doing the hardest running session they’ve ever done on the Friday (before the game), but I’m not taking a contact injury into a finals series — I’m not losing Warner, (Isaac) Heeney, (Errol) Gulden, the ruckman (Brodie Grundy) — anyone of prime importance.

The Swans have just about done enough to wrap up the minor premiership sitting two points ahead of Port Adelaide with a better percentage. Port Adelaide will be playing a Fremantle outfit desperate for a win to give themselves a chance of playing finals, while the Swans take on the Crows at home.