Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has called time on his decorated AFL career after deciding the risk of another eye injury was too great to continue playing.
The dual Crows best and fairest and 2016 All-Australian told teammates and club staff on Monday morning he would be stepping away from the game.
It followed a training incident in which Sloane suffered a detached retina earlier this season, which required two surgeries and extensive consultation with medical experts on a potential return to action.
Sloane, 34, had trialled different protective eyewear while on a modified training program but decided to stop pursuing a comeback after 255 games over 16 seasons.
Sloane will go down as an all-time Crows great after racking up 255 games for the club across 16 seasons in the top grade
Sloane (pictured with wife Belinda and two of their four children) had a sixth bout of eye surgery to reattach his retina
‘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.’
Sloane has had a lengthy history of eye injuries, including a torn retina in 2013 and a fractured eye socket in 2017.
The midfielder played 255 games for Adelaide across 16 seasons, winning club best and fairest awards in 2013 and 2016.
Earlier this year he shared footage of doctors injecting a gas bubble behind his retina to repair the issue (pictured)
He came fourth in the Brownlow Medal and was All Australian in 2016, and crucial to the Crows’ charge to the 2017 grand final.
The midfielder was appointed co-captain alongside Taylor Walker in 2019 and was sole skipper from 2020-2022.
‘It’s hard to actually come up with the appropriate words to describe Sloaney’s impact on our club,’ coach Matthew Nicks said.
‘Other than to say he will go down as one of the most influential people to have ever come through the doors.
‘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.’
