Current skipper Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane will co-captain Adelaide, the first time the AFL club has split the key leadership role.
Adelaide will have co-captains for the first time in its history with Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane to share the responsibility during the 2019 AFL season.
Walker has been sole leader of the Crows for the past four years, during which time he’s twice been judged as the best AFL captain by his peers.
But he’ll have some help in 2019 after vice-captain Sloane’s historic promotion.
Coach Don Pyke said the decision made sense given the demands of modern football and what’s required of a captain.
“They are great mates and their leadership skills and qualities complement each other, and having two hard-working and highly driven people in the role can only be a positive,” he told the club’s website
“Taylor is a proven leader and highly respected within our club and across the competition, while Rory has taken his leadership to a new level and will thrive on the added responsibility.”
Walker insists he is comfortable sharing the role with the fellow 28-year-old Sloane, who isn’t taking the promotion lightly.
“I am honoured to join Tex as captain of the club and am excited about the two of us working together to lead the playing group,” he said.
“I want to do whatever I can to help us achieve the ultimate success which is winning a premiership.”
Minor premiers and beaten finalists in 2017, the Crows sunk to 12th last year after a 12-10 season.
Walker is confident they can rediscover their form of two years ago.
“I have the utmost faith and confidence in this playing group and it has been great to see the progress we have made during the pre-season,” he said.
“There is real willingness to work hard and the boys are committed to getting the best out of themselves and each other.”
EJ
Roar Pro
Ah, gotcha mate after I questioned what u meant saw Anons comment below and saw the logo and kinda guessed Tho did thought for a minute that I might of written something ona different page, all good
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Sorry EJ, your icon looks the same as anon's when it is that tiny. I'm so used to seeing anon contradict himself that I was awaiting it. It will no doubt come soon. I guess a soccer ball and a frog don't look alike...but the green is the same.
EJ
Roar Pro
sorry a bit confused, how did I contradict my first comment?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
IAP, do you know Tex hadn't even debuted '10 years ago'?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Only one post between this and your last post, anon, and you contradicted your first comment.
Adam
Guest
How are they too top heavy ?
IAP
Guest
Good for you. Although, I don't you have much influence over who gets picked.
Adam
Guest
I think I'll see how he goes this year. Last season he struggled with injury. Despite that he played well in the wins over Richmond,Sydney and West Coast. I believe the Crows will be smaller up forward and be faster.
User
Roar Rookie
Fair enough
IAP
Guest
Nah. Darling still doesn't make the most of his talent, but I'd pick him ahead of Tex. Don't get me wrong, Darling is a good footballer, but he could be a lot better. He plays like Jane instead of Tarzan too often, and he has a tendency to choke on the big stage.
IAP
Guest
Any mobile forward that Adelaide has. Tex is a liability; he's too slow, he's not agile enough. His style was great up until 10 years ago, but he's not suited to AFL football anymore. Adelaide's forward line is too top heavy anyway. Smaller, faster forward lines that can hold the ball in are how the game is played now. Little blokes run around him like he's a tree.
IAP
Guest
You clearly don't like opinions that question players in your team. Suck it buttercup, Tex is a dinosaur, he can hardly get near the thing.
User
Roar Rookie
Is Tex your knew darling then?
Joel
Guest
Dear IAP, I admire the time and effort it took you to comment below an article on a team that plays in the national competition of a sport that you've clearly never watched.
Adam
Guest
So who would you say is in before him?
IAP
Guest
Tex isn't even in Adelaide's best 22 anymore.
EJ
Roar Pro
Smart move from the club, Tex has had to lead the club in some horrible times for the past couple of seasons and has done a great job, bringing in Sloane is not only bringing in another good and strong leader but someone to take a bit of the pressure off Tex,
Adam
Guest
Both are good players and good leaders. Hopefully both can stay fully fit and have big seasons. Pleased for them after both suffered personal grief last year.
anon
Roar Pro
Probably should just give it to Sloane. Can't have a big game dud as captain (or co-captain).
User
Roar Rookie
Logical move.