Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has announced his immediate retirement after a 16-year career spanning 255 games with the Crows.
Sloane has been sidelined throughout this season due to eye surgery for a detached retina he experienced in the preseason, marking the second time he has needed this operation.
Citing the high risk of further eye damage, Sloane has decided to end his playing days. “I’ve done everything possible to return to the field. Physically, I feel strong and mentally, I’m ready, but the possibility of another eye injury and its potential to impact my vision and life significantly is too high,” he explained.
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“This decision wasn’t easy, especially since it’s not a common injury like others in football. It’s a unique risk that I can’t ignore,” he added.
Throughout his time at the club, which he cherishes deeply, Sloane experienced significant personal and professional milestones, including marriage and fatherhood, alongside forging lifelong friendships and enduring the highs and lows with his teammates.
Sloane’s tenure at Adelaide was marked by consistent excellence. He was a two-time recipient of the club’s best and fairest award and earned All-Australian honors in 2016. Selected with the 44th pick in the 2008 draft, he quickly became a stalwart for the team, known for his dedication and bravery, notably receiving the AFLPA’s Most Courageous Player award in 2017—the same year Adelaide was the runner-up in the Grand Final.
His standout season in 2016 was a career highlight, earning him another club champion title, a runner-up finish in the AFLPA MVP Award, and a fourth-place finish in the Brownlow Medal.
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Reflecting on Sloane’s legacy, Crows coach Matthew Nicks remarked, “It’s difficult to fully express what Sloaney has meant to our club. He’s undoubtedly one of the most influential figures we’ve ever had. His positivity, leadership, and genuine care for others are what make him stand out, embodying the core values of our club.”
As the season concludes, the absence of Rory, his wife Belinda, and their children Sonny, Bodhi, and Summer will be profoundly felt, with the club extending its best wishes to the Sloane family.
