Rory Sloane says he couldn’t be prouder of his sister Shae who is recovering from a serious knee injury on debut

Rory Sloane says having a kick with his dad and sister Shae at home over Christmas as she prepared for her AFLW debut this season was one of his coolest moments in football.

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Rory Sloane says having a kick with his dad and sister Shae at home over Christmas as she prepared for her AFLW debut this season was one of his nicest moments in football.

And three months later after she ruptured her ACL in her first game for Melbourne, Sloane has backed her to return stronger and more determined next year.

Adelaide’s co-captain was in the stands to watch Shae complete a successful switch from international volleyball to Australian rules footy and offered his support after she was cruelly hit by injury.

“We are so proud of Shae and what she’s been able to achieve, volleyball she’s captained Australia and that’s one of the greatest feats you could possibly do,” he said.

“Then to switch codes, after a year off travelling she came back a little bit unfit and worked her butt off to get fit and healthy for Round 1.

“Shae is a determined athlete so doesn’t need a lot of my help, but I had a bit of a kick over Christmas with her and dad and that was one of the nicest moments I’ve had in my time in footy.

“Just having a kick with my old man and sister on Upwey footy ground over Christmas which was really cool, and to see her kicking both feet and the running she was doing she looked like she fits.

“Then To see her play Round 1 I was there and watched her run out, one of the proudest moments, and it was just unfortunate she got slightly knocked off her landing and her knee went.

Shae Sloane leaves the ground after injuring her knee on debut. Picture: Daniel Pockett AAP

“It was pretty shattering for someone to come all that way, but I still look at the positives and she did all that work to play Round 1, she’s so professional and determined she’s started her rehab and I’ve got no concerns she’ll be back fit, healthy and as determined as ever.

“Melbourne has been a great footy club for her, they’ve looked after her so well and I know she’s loved her time there.”

Closer to home and Sloane has praised Adelaide’s AFLW coach Matthew Clarke for his influence as the team prepares for finals this weekend.

Sloane says he’s noticed Clarke has brought joy to the program and celebrated its people while getting them to play good, hard footy.

“It looks like they’re really enjoying themselves and that’s what Matty Clarke brings to our environment as well, a real joy for football and people,” Sloane said.

“I know they’re pumped to be on Adelaide Oval speaking to Erin (Phillips) and Chelsea (Randall) and hopefully we get a massive crowd there and support them.”

The Crows’ women’s team play Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Originally published as Rory Sloane says he couldn’t be prouder of his sister Shae who is recovering from a serious knee injury on debut