Adelaide warrior Rory Sloane makes call on future amid serious injury

“Our footy club is a special place and I have absolutely loved every minute of my career.”

WRITER | April 29, 2024 - 12:10pm

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Adelaide champion Rory Sloane has officially hung up the boots after 16 years and 255 games for the Crows amid a "debilitating" eye injury that could have lifelong effects.

Sloane - who has experienced six eye issues across his storied career - had surgery on a detached retina in his right eye in January, making it the second time he'd undergone that procedure.

An exceptional footballer, an exceptional leader, and, most importantly, an exceptional human. After 255 games and 16 years, Rory Sloane has called time. Thank you Sloaney, for everything 💙❤️💛

Details: https://t.co/wQaT06L2ea #ThankYouSloaney pic.twitter.com/enrs1OTd4c

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) April 29, 2024

The former skipper, club champion and All-Australian informed teammates on Monday morning after extensive consultations 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.

“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.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Rory Sloane of the Crows leaves the field with a suspected eye injury during the round 21 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“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.

“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 spoke of the influence Sloane has had on the club and how fortunate someone like him donned the Crows guernsey for so long.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Crows Head coach Matthew Nicks shakes hands with Rory Sloane of the Crows after winning the round 20 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on July 24, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“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.”