Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has broken down when talking about great mate Rory Sloane after the Crows’ 30-point Showdown win over arch-rivals Port Adelaide.
Walker and Sloane have played 199 AFL games together, but didn’t get the chance to add to that tally this year with Sloane forced to call time on his career this week after a string of eye injuries.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Walker breaks down speaking about Sloane.
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Sloane, 34, had a second bout of surgery on a detached retina in January, following an original procedure in 2021.
After extensive consultation with doctors and eye specialists, Sloane informed his teammates on Monday he was calling time to avoid causing further damage to his eye.
The former captain was a much-loved figure of not just the club, but the entire AFL.
Walker shed tears when speaking to Channel 7 after the match.
“We touched on it. I might get a bit emotional here,” Walker began.
“I love him and his beautiful family.
“To not be able to play with him again. It’s tough.
“But I think he made the right decision for life after footy. He has a beautiful family.
“What he’s been able to do in those 255 games, not just the Crows fans but the footy world have been so lucky to be able to see a beautiful man play football in the right spirit.
“It was a great win for a great man.”
The pair hugged each other in the immediate aftermath of the match before Sloane was chaired off.
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Walker kicked two goals in Adelaide’s win to be among his side’s best.
Gun midfielder Rory Laird also paid tribute to Sloane.
“He’s unbelievable. Very honest player and we did it for him tonight and he would have been proud of the win,” he said.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson added: “He’s probably the most authentic leader I’ve ever met. Probably the most kind and generous human you could ever come across.
“He’s an absolute warrior and I had admired him for years growing up.
“He’s been massive for me. I’m going to miss him.”
The Crows players waited for Sloane before singing their club song.