AFL: Star Crow Rory Laird tips captain Rory Sloane to return ‘stronger than ever’ from ACL rupture

Adelaide captain Rory Sloane won’t play again this year after an ACL rupture but a star teammate is warning not to write him off.

Adelaide skipper Rory Sloane won’t play again this season after rupturing the ACL in his right knee. Picture: Getty Images

Adelaide midfielder Rory Laird expects captain Rory Sloane to return to his best next year after his season-ending knee injury.

Sloane ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday night’s win over Richmond and will require a reconstruction in a devastating blow for the 32-year-old.

But the star onballer has already returned to the club and was in “good spirits”, according to Laird.

“It’s always hard to hear and you realise how much hard work goes into preparing for an AFL season, with the whole summer of training and how passionate Rory is as well,” Laird said.

“It’s really hard to see but he came in and was in really good spirits. He’s a very positive guy (with his) outlook on life and I think he’s determined to come back stronger than ever.”

Rory Laird praised the way Rory Sloane handled the disappointment of his season-ending ACL rupture. Picture: Getty Images

The Crows are yet to announce who the acting captain will be in Sloane’s absence but both Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee have had experience in that role.

Laird listed ex-Giant Jackson Hately, Luke Pedlar and Harry Schoenberg among the options to step up while Sloane was out, while Sam Berry and Chayce Jones are likely to have increased roles as well.

Sloane will take some time away after surgery but Laird still expected him to play a key off-field role this season.

“Rory’s the heart and soul of the club that you’ve seen for a multitude of years and it’s not just what he’s done on-field,” he said.

“It’s more so the off-field leadership and what he gives there. The thing that he can still do (while injured) is that off-field stuff.

“But it is a big loss for us. Anytime you lose your captain; you lose a pretty big hole in your team.”

Taylor Walker’s made a brilliant return to Adelaide’s senior side in the past fortnight. Picture: Getty Images

Laird avoided adding to Taylor Walker’s comments about Trent Cotchin being fortunate to escape with a fine, after after the former Adelaide skipper accused the Tigers great of a “deliberate” kick.

But he’s been impressed with Walker’s nine-goal return in his first fortnight back from suspension.

“He was on fire (on Saturday), it pains me to say,” Laird said.

“When I broke my hand ... it was Taylor and I training, and he just seems to want to do extras all the time and work and keep running.

“I was pretty gassed in most of the sessions we did and he just wanted to keep going and I think he‘s come out and shown that he’s super fit and he hasn’t lost his touch either.

“I think he would admit there was a little bit of rust last week but he still managed to kick four, then at the weekend you saw how dangerous he was, so it’s fantastic to have him back.”

Originally published as AFL: Star Crow Rory Laird tips captain Rory Sloane to return ‘stronger than ever’ from ACL rupture