Destiny fulfilled as Rory Sloane officially named Adelaide Crows skipper
Adelaide’s announcement that Rory Sloane will captain the Crows on his own in 2020 felt inevitable. He was a leader from the moment he walked in the door, Reece Homfray writes.
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Rory Sloane seemed destined to captain the Crows from the moment he walked through the door and although he already was – as co-captain in 2019 – tonight’s announcement that he would go it alone this year was like that destiny had truly been fulfilled.
Sloane, 29, was unveiled as Adelaide’s solo skipper at its fan day at Wayville and will head a new-look leadership group which includes Tom Lynch, Matt Crouch and newcomers Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee.
The All-Australian and two-time best-and-fairest shared the role with Taylor Walker last year before Walker announced in September he was stepping down after five years at the helm.
Sloane has long been seen as a leader at West Lakes from when he was drafted from Victoria with Pick No. 44 in 2008, to when he won his first of two Malcolm Blight Medals in 2013, pledged his long-term future to the club in 2018 and when he spoke so passionately about the place when awarded life membership last year.
Then there is the way he plays, which in the words of new coach Matthew Nicks, is inspiring in itself.
“He (Sloane) likes to put his head in a hole and enjoys the fight, and we have a lot of kids who are already learning from him,” Nicks said after taking over as coach late last year.
Last night Nicks said he was the obvious choice to lead the team.
“Rory typifies the qualities and attributes that every club wants in its leaders and he was a standout choice as captain, and I am confident we have the right mix of players assisting him,” Nicks said.
In what is shaping as a double celebration in Round 1, Sloane is set to play his 200th game when the Crows host Sydney at Adelaide Oval on March 21.
While Sloane was always seen as the logical choice to continue as captain and on his own this year, most intrigue surrounded who would join him in the leadership group.
Full back Daniel Talia joined Walker in stepping out of the group and they have been replaced by fresh faces in Smith and Doedee.
“They have a positive influence on others and genuinely care for their teammates, as well as coaches and staff across the organisation, and set elite standards in the way they prepare and carry themselves both on and off the field,” Nicks said of his leaders.
“As a new addition to the group, Brodie has a strong rapport with both younger and older teammates while being a consistent on-field performer.
“Likewise, Tom is well rounded and highly-rated by everyone in the football department, along with those in the administration, and commands respect for his resilience and manner in which he has approached his injury lay-off.
“After speaking to every player on the list, it was clear that we have some outstanding leaders in our squad and we are well placed heading into this season and beyond.
After weeks of upheaval with internal and external reviews followed by significant changes to the playing list and senior football staff, Tuesday night’s leadership announcement was the final piece in the re-set of the football club.
And Wednesday is exactly one month until the new-look Crows step out for the first time in a pre-season game against Melbourne.
reece.homfray@news.com.au
Originally published as Destiny fulfilled as Rory Sloane officially named Adelaide Crows skipper