“It’s an easy decision”: Finals heartbreak brewing again for Swans recruit Adams

Sydney sewed up the minor premiership with Saturday night’s 121-90 win over Adelaide at the SCG.

The Swans did so without a raft of forward options that look set to return for the first Qualifying Final once September rolls around with Justin McInerney (knee), Tom Papley (ankle) and Isaac Heeney (ankle) all missing Saturday’s win over the Crows.

With a selection squeeze imminent, the question has to be asked whether veteran Luke Parker keeps his spot given he has only played seven games this season due to a mix of suspension and injury.

While Parker has only been playing since Round 18 and has been the activated substitute on three occasions, Kane Cornes is adamant that the 31-year-old should keep his spot, particularly after kicking three goals to go with 19 touches on Saturday night.

“He holds his spot, absolutely he holds his spot,” Cornes told AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.

“He’s kicked 11.1 in the seven games since he’s returned from injury and suspension.

“At one stage, you thought he wasn’t going to play and force his way back in, but he has.

“I just think he’s a heart and soul player.”

With Parker coming into form at the right time, Cornes thinks that Swans recruit Taylor Adams will be one of the names that makes way for the returning trio.

It would be a brutal blow for Adams to miss out on September action after playing 19 AFL games this season, while he also missed the 2023 premiership with Collingwood after suffering an injury at training during that finals series.

“Taylor Adams just doesn’t play,” Cornes said.

“I think it’s just an easy decision. Taylor Adams hasn’t affected a game that I can remember much this year.

“Parker gives you more flexibility because he can play forward and centre-bounce midfield.

“He picks himself, he had 19 disposals, nine score involvements and kicked three goals.

“He will definitely be there for the first Qualifying Final.”

With the top spot sewed up, the Swans will play one of Port Adelaide, Geelong, or GWS at the SCG in finals in week one.