The Sydney Swans faced a major setback in their 2025 AFL season opener, as veteran midfielder Taylor Adams suffered a hamstring injury during their 20-point loss to the Hawthorn Hawks. Adams, who had been looking to make an impact in his first game for Sydney after moving from Collingwood, was forced off the field in the final quarter after pulling up sharply while running.
This injury is particularly disappointing for Adams, who has struggled with hamstring issues in the past. His previous setbacks included missing Collingwood’s 2023 premiership win due to a similar problem. The severity of the injury is yet to be confirmed, but early indications suggest he could be facing another stint on the sidelines.
Sydney was already missing key players, with Errol Gulden and Callum Mills unavailable due to injuries. Gulden recently underwent ankle surgery after suffering a fracture in a pre-season match, while Mills has been managing a calf issue. Adams’ injury adds to the team’s growing list of concerns as they aim to recover from their opening-round defeat.
Hawthorn also experienced injury trouble in the match, with midfielder James Worpel suffering an ankle injury after being tackled by Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy. Worpel was seen post-game wearing a moon boot and using crutches, raising fears that he could be dealing with a syndesmosis injury, which typically requires an extended recovery period.
With both teams now facing selection challenges due to injuries, they will need to make crucial adjustments heading into their next matches. The Swans will look for alternative midfield options to cover Adams’ absence, while Hawthorn may have to reshuffle their lineup depending on Worpel’s recovery timeline.
