NO CROWING OVER SLOANE’S RETURN JUST YET
CAPTAIN Taylor Walker says Adelaide will take a norisk policy with star midfielder Rory Sloane in the qualifying final against GWS, fearing long-term damage if he plays sore.
Sloane must get a medical clearance to play against the Giants at Adelaide Oval tomorrow night after having an emergency appendectomy last Tuesday.
A final decision on his fitness is not expected to be made until after he consults his surgeon and possibly trains today.
Walker said vice-captain Sloane had done “some physical activity’’ but that the club’s main concern was his long-term health.
“After such an internal problem for him if the surgeon says he’s fine to go then he’ll play but if there is any doubt we won’t risk him because you can get a hernia and then that can cause further issues down the track,’’ Walker told Triple M.
“It would be great if he can play but if not we can get the job done without him.’’
Star Crows small forward Eddie Betts, who missed the Round 19 draw against Collingwood after having his appendix removed, said Sloane “is going well and giving himself every opportunity to play’’.
But he said his biggest test would come when he starts “bending, moving and tackling’’.
“Because that hurts a lot,’’ Betts said.
“Rory’s a hard-minded person who will do anything in his power to play but we’ll have to wait to see what happens.’’
Sloane’s stellar season was rewarded in the AFL Coaches Association player of the year voting.