Adelaide veteran Rory Sloane has announced his retirement.
The 255-gamer called time due to the best interests of his long-term health after issues with an eye injury.
Sloane hangs up the boots a one-club player and a former skipper.
The 34-year-old informed his teammates of his decision on Monday morning after consulting with doctors and eye specialists.
"I have given it my all to get back to playing and generally speaking my body is in great shape and I’m mentally fresh but ultimately, the risk of another eye injury is too great,” Sloane said via a statement.
“More so the impact it could have on my life and the potential for loss of vision. I’ve come to realise this is definitely not like the more common injuries you can get from playing the game.
“Our footy club is a special place and I have absolutely loved every minute of my career, and along the way I have grown and experienced so much as a person and footballer.
“So many of my important life moments, including getting married and having children, have been intertwined with my Crows journey, as well as the opportunity to make lifelong friends and ride the ups and downs of their lives too.”
Sloane claimed best and fairests in 2013 and 2016 – a year he was also named an All-Australian.
The leader also captained the club from 2019 to 2022 before handing the baton over to Jordan Dawson.
Sloane says he’ll remain at the club throughout the 2024 season, just not in a playing capacity.
“I am not going anywhere in a hurry and will continue to be around the Club, helping out when and where I can, for the remainder of the season,” Sloane said.
“Footy and the Crows have been such a big part of my life and while I’m disappointed to not be playing anymore, there’s also a feeling of pride as well as excitement for what lies ahead for not just me and my family but the Club as well.”
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks credited Sloane for his substantial impact at the club after being drafted all the way back in 2008 at pick No. 44.
“It’s hard to actually come up with the appropriate words to describe Sloaney’s impact on our Club, other than to say he will go down as one of the most influential people to have ever come through the doors,” Nicks said.
“I challenge anyone to find a more positive person and his courage and strength of leadership – in good and tough times – is right up there with the very best.
“His on-field achievements speak for themselves but it’s also his genuine care for others which stands out, and it’s one of the fundamental values at our Club.
“Come the end of the season, we’ll miss not having Sloaney and Belinda, and their children Sonny, Bodhi and Summer, around the place as often and we wish them the very best.”
