Adelaide has confirmed its leadership group for 2023 with new captain Jordan Dawson to be supported by Ben Keays, Tom Doedee, Brodie Smith and Reilly O’Brien.

Outgoing skipper Rory Sloane is the only change to last year’s group as he steps down from an official role altogether but is set to continue as an important leadership influence on the playing group.

Smith and Doedee have been part of the Crows’ leadership group since 2020 while Keays and O’Brien were added last year.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks made the announcement at a pre-season event, highlighted by an intraclub match, for Members and fans on Friday night.

“We are very fortunate to have some fantastic leaders at our Club and for these five players to again be backed in by their teammates reflects the outstanding job they have been doing,” Nicks said.

“Stability with our leaders is important as our group continues to grow and build a strong connection both on and off the field.

“It’s an exciting time with Jordan taking over the captaincy and he is surrounded by some experienced leaders who each bring different strengths to the role.

“But as I’ve said before, we expect our players to be leaders regardless of whether they’re in the leadership group or not.

“We are lucky to have two former captains of our Club in Rory and Taylor still part of our team, as well as other experienced players and emerging young leaders who all play an important part in driving and maintaining the standards we demand of each other.”