Five-year deal makes Sloane a Crow for life
ADELAIDE star Rory Sloane has spurned interest from Victorian clubs to sign a new fiveyear AFL contract with the Crows.
The 28-year-old, a restricted free agent at the end of the season, had been the subject of intense speculation over his future but will now likely play out his career at the South Australian club.
“This is a great footy club and I have said many times before how much I respect and love the place and people, parAFL Cairns preparing and training for the upcoming Under-14 Country Championships at Airlie Beach this weekend.
“We are on track to open in January 2019 and we are taking applications for students,” AFL Cape York regional manager Rick Hanlon said. ticularly the playing group,” Sloane (pictured) said via a statement released yesterday morning.
“There is always a lot to weigh up, especially given Belinda and I are about to start a family, and we have been in constant talks with the club for some time.
“I’m super excited about what the future holds, both from a personal and football perspective.
“We have created a great
“It is about providing the opportunity for kids to link into a boarding program and this place is going to be a special place for kids to call a home away from home.
“It is not an AFL program, AFL Cape York House are the business running it, but it is environment where there is a genuine care for each other and strong desire to achieve the ultimate success.”
Sloane’s signing is a huge boost for the Crows, who have struggled to keep star players in the past.
Jake Lever and Charlie Cameron left West Lakes after last year’s grand final loss to Richmond, joining departed stars Patrick Dangerfield, Kurt Tippett, Phil Davis and Jack Gunston.
Adelaide list boss Justin Reid was understandably jubilant with the result. about education more than anything else.
“We want to develop proud and strong young women through living here and going to school.”
The girls will represent the under-14 Cape York Crusaders squad later this week.
“First and foremost, Rory is a quality person and he has the ability to inspire others around him,” Reid said.
“His work ethic is first class and his determination to get the best out of himself, as well as his drive to make others and the team better is outstanding.
“We are thrilled that he will continue to be a key part in our push towards future success.”
Sloane has played 171 games for the Crows since he was selected 44th overall at the 2008 draft.
He is a two-time club bestand-fairest winner and was an
“With the AFLW pathway these days, it is a really good opportunity for the girls from remote communities to go away and exposed to that level of competition,” Hanlon said.
“Hopefully they can then step into the academy programs going forward.” All-Australian in 2016.
Meanwhile, Star Adelaide forward Eddie Betts will return for tonight’s AFL clash with Geelong but key defender Daniel Talia remains in doubt with a foot injury.
Talia is battling to recover from a foot strain suffered during last week’s loss to Richmond at the MCG.
“Eddie will play … Daniel’s still a little bit sore, so we’ve probably got to test him tomorrow and just see how he comes up on a six-day break,” Adelaide coach Don Pyke said yesterday.