Crows name 2020 leadership group

Adelaide have revealed their new-look leadership group for the 2020 season, with Rory Sloane set to lead the Crows as the clubs stand-alone captain.

Sloane will be accompanied by All-Australian Brodie Smith and young defender Tom Doedee, with the pair being handed leadership roles for the first time. Tom Lynch and Matt Crouch fill the five-man group.

Former captain Taylor Walker and veteran defender Daniel Talia will both take on role model status for the Crows youthful squad after not being named in this years leadership group.

Newly appointed senior coach Matthew Nicks said that the new faces of leadership will match the excitement the club is looking for as they enter a new era.

“Rory typifies the qualities and attributes that every club wants in its leaders and he was a standout choice as captain, and I am confident we have the right mix of players assisting him,” Nicks told the club website.

“They have a positive influence on others and genuinely care for their teammates, as well as coaches and staff across the organisation, and set elite standards in the way they prepare and carry themselves both on and off the field.

“As a new addition to the group, Brodie has a strong rapport with both younger and older teammates while being a consistent on-field performer.

“Likewise, Tom is well rounded and highly-rated by everyone in the football department, along with those in the administration, and commands respect for his resilience and manner in which he has approached his injury layoff.

“After speaking to every player on the list, it was clear that we have some outstanding leaders in our squad and we are well placed heading into this season and beyond.

“In regards to Taylor and Daniel, the feedback from their peers suggested they both could have been included in the leadership group but we have decided it is time to transition and provide leadership opportunities to others.

“They were supportive of the decision and are highly respected members of the playing group, and will continue to provide guidance and advice across the football program.”