In February, two new faces joined Adelaide’s leadership group, with Reilly O’Brien and Ben Keays formally recognised.
Crows Captain Rory Sloane says it is not hard to see why the pair are so highly regarded amongst the four walls at West Lakes.
Speaking on this week’s episode of The Crows Show, Sloane, who was endorsed as the Club’s skipper for a fourth consecutive season, gave an insight into O’Brien and Keays’ qualities.
“He’s (O’Brien) been one of the hardest workers, the most diligent footballers I think I’ve ever come across,” Sloane said.
“The standard he has set amongst our playing group has been incredible, both on and off the field.
“His ability to connect people and bring people together is outstanding.
“Keaysy is (also) the hardest worker I think I have come across. He pushes to the extreme limit and then demands that of everyone else.
“That’s the bit we love about Keaysy, he just demands that of people and he just wants team success.”
O’Brien has been an emerging leader at the Crows for the past three years since becoming the Club’s first-choice ruckman and then Club Champion in 2020.
The 26-year-old said he had enjoyed learning off Sloane and gaining advice as to what it took to lead a group of young men.
“It’s obviously a huge privilege to be in the leadership group of this great footy Club,” O’Brien said.
“Rory is an amazing leader.
“His care he shows for people and then his ability to set standards and really look after the group has been amazing.
“Having him there giving me feedback and giving me advice as part of that group has been awesome.”
O’Brien, who has played 59 AFL games since making his debut in Round 20, 2016, said he was hungry for success and would continue to work hard at developing his game and his teammates’.
“I think it's more so about driving this group where we want to go,” O’Brien said.
“We want to start winning games and ultimately win a flag.
“I want to be part of a leadership group that really drives the group to do that and drives the Club forward in a really positive direction.”
The Crows Show airs on Channel 7 this Sunday at 2pm.