Jay Clark in the Herald-Sun says his mail is we're going to select Taylor Adams at pick 15....
Taylor Adams made for big time by: Jay Clark
From: Herald Sun
November 19, 2011RICHMOND already has one Dustin Martin. The conundrum the Tigers face on Thursday evening is whether they should draft another.
Taylor Adams, a strong-bodied inside midfielder from the Geelong Falcons, is the man the Tigers will mull over.
Adams is a hard running, clearance king, rated by several clubs as the most impressive interviewee at the draft camp.
One national recruiting manager declared him a future AFL captain.
When the Tigers come to their pick (No.15), he is likely to be still available. But the issue is - with Martin, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley, Dan Jackson and Reece Conca, is Richmond's onball brigade strong enough as it is?
And if so, should the Tigers instead opt for an exciting outside midfielder (Hayden Crozier) or an elite-kicking defender (Brandon Ellis) instead?
The mail is Richmond will take Adams, 18, because clubs can't have enough midfielders who win contested ball, as Geelong has proven. Adams, Martin and Cotchin would certainly make an imposing trio.
If he slips past the Tigers, bet the house on Fremantle nabbing him.
Falcons regional manager Michael Turner said Adams, who averaged 28 disposals including 10 contested in the TAC Cup this season, was a total professional. His character adds to the appeal.
"We were out at Oakleigh during the year and they were pumping us at quarter-time and before the group even got to the line coaches Taylor got them in together and spoke to the kids about where we were situated," Turner said. "That shows leadership and initiative."
The bullocking ball-winner, who kicked some clutch goals playing forward, also dispelled any fears about his endurance, running a 15.1 beep test at the draft camp - ranking him equal 10th.
It was reward for hard work as rarely were there days when Adams was not doing extra sessions or recovery.
"Being able to tick all the boxes is something you have to do to reach the next level," Adams said. "And even if you do go to the next level, you have to be even more precise, and do even more of that one per cent stuff."
Adams' desire to protect and create opportunities for his teammates prompted some talent spotters to label him "too selfless". But the onballer said his attitude was totally team driven.
"When you are out there you don't think about yourself too much. If your teammate's there, you are going to block for him," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/taylor-adams-made-for-big-time/story-fnau1fjg-1226199616480
