Outgoing Adelaide Captain Rory Sloane says the time is right to hand over the reins to Jordan Dawson, with the 32-year-old stepping away after four seasons in the role.

The Crows announced on Saturday that Sloane was handing over the Captaincy in 2023, as he prepared to return from a knee reconstruction and the Club ushered in a new era.

Speaking to the media alongside the new Skipper and Coach Matthew Nicks, Sloane said he was comfortable with the decision.

He said he had plenty of belief in the direction the Club would be heading under Dawson’s leadership.

“It’s an absolute privilege to sit here and hand over the captaincy to Jordy Dawson,” Sloane said.

“I do believe Jordan is (right) for a few reasons.

“Since he’s come from Sydney, he’s one of the most caring footballers I’ve come across, he’s developed unbelievably in the leadership space.

“I think that’s going to set us up really well going forward.”

Sloane’s reign as Skipper began in 2019 when he was named co-captain alongside Taylor Walker, before taking on the job in his own right in 2020.

Since then, he has led the Club with distinction through some of its most challenging years.

The midfielder said he had prided himself on being a selfless leader and it had been an honour to hold the role for the past four seasons. 

“I love this footy Club and I’ll always continue to do what’s best for this footy Club,” Sloane said.

“For myself, it’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to sit in this position and Captain this side, and Co-Captain this side.

“We chatted regularly because my vision for this footy Club is how I can leave the footy Club in great shape when I’m not here.

“That’s what Goody (Simon Goodwin) did, Birdman (Brett Burton) did, VB ( Nathan van Berlo) has done, that’s what all the leaders of the Club have done, so I am really quite comfortable with the decision.

“Once we started chatting through the attributes Daws has got and where this group is at, I started to get really excited about how these next couple of years can pan out.”

Sloane ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the Crows’ Round Five match against Richmond and missed the remainder of the 2022 season.

He said he was focused on making a return to the field and was looking forward to Adelaide’s 2023 campaign.

“I just want to get back out there and play football,” Sloane said. 

“That’s been the sole focus for me, to make sure I’m in great shape coming into Round One and I certainly feel that way.”