Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has ended his decorated AFL career after deciding the risk of another eye injury was too great for him to continue playing.
The Crows best and fairest and 2016 All-Australian told his teammates and club staff on Monday morning that he was stepping away from the game.
This came after a training incident in which Sloane suffered a detached retina earlier this season, requiring two surgeries and extensive consultation with medical experts over a possible return to action.
Sloane, 34, had tried different goggles while in a modified training program, but decided to stop trying to return after 255 games in 16 seasons.
Sloane will go down in history as one of the all-time Crows greats after amassing 255 games for the club in 16 seasons in the top flight.
Sloane (pictured with his wife Belinda and two of their four children) underwent a sixth eye surgery to reattach his retina.
“I’ve given everything to get back to playing and overall my body is in great shape and I’m mentally fresh, but ultimately the risk of another eye injury is too great,” Sloane said.
‘Moreover, the impact it could have on my life and the possibility of vision loss. I’ve realized that this is definitely not like the more common injuries you can get while playing.
“Our football club is a special place and I have absolutely enjoyed every minute of my career, and along the way I have grown and experienced a lot as a person and as a footballer.
“Many of the important moments in my life, including getting married and having children, have been intertwined with my journey as a Crows, as well as the opportunity to make lifelong friends and go through the ups and downs of their lives as well.”
Sloane has had a long history of eye injuries, including a retinal tear in 2013 and an eye socket fracture in 2017.
The midfielder played 255 games for Adelaide over 16 seasons, winning the club’s best and fairest awards in 2013 and 2016.
Earlier this year, she shared footage of doctors injecting a gas bubble behind her retina to repair the problem (pictured).
He came fourth in the Brownlow Medal and was an All Australian in 2016, and was crucial in the Crows reaching the 2017 grand final.
The midfielder was named co-captain alongside Taylor Walker in 2019 and was the sole captain between 2020 and 2022.
“It’s hard to find the right words to describe Sloaney’s impact on our club,” said coach Matthew Nicks.
‘Aside from saying that he will go down as one of the most influential people to ever walk through those doors.
‘I challenge anyone to find a more positive person and their courage and leadership strength, in good and difficult times, is up there with the best.
“His achievements on the field speak for themselves, but his genuine care for others also stands out and is one of the core values of our club.”