Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly has revealed how a strong bond between Nick Murray and Rory Sloane led to the defender taking over the No.9 guernsey from the recently retired former Captain.
On Monday, the Club confirmed new jumper numbers for its recruits and draftees, as well as a new number for Murray.
Speaking to AFC Media, Kelly said the duo’s connection grew stronger during Murray’s rehabilitation from an ACL injury, and Sloane was supportive of the backman donning his number.
“Once Sloaney retired, and as is his way with always wanting to give back to the Club and his teammates, he dedicated himself to supporting the players in the rehabilitation group,” Kelly said.
“Muz was coming back from his ACL injury and Sloaney was determined to be there for him and see that through until his return to the field, so-much-so that he even delayed a break away from the Club until Muz was back out there.
“In that time, Sloaney and Muz formed an even closer relationship, bond and appreciation for one another’s strength.
“Sloaney and Muz came to me with the idea regarding the transition of the No.9 and they had our support.”
Kelly said having Sloane hand over the No.9 to Murray made sense, with the pair’s values aligning and how each had worked hard to return from respective ACL injuries.
“They share similar ideals in some respect, to work hard, to play the game the right way and to be a great teammate,” Kelly said.
“For Muz, it is an honour to now be the custodian of the number given his admiration for Sloaney and appreciation for his support.
“And for Sloaney, it is a nod to the character of Muz and the grit and determination that he has exemplified right from the minute he stepped off of the farm in Henty and into the doors at West Lakes.”
Father-son draftee Tyler Welsh will don his Dad’s No.17, while recruit Isaac Cumming will have No.44 on the back of his guernsey.
The No.44 has previously been worn by two-time Premiership forward Peter Caven, 2008 Club Champion Nathan Bock, and Matt Crouch when he won the 2017 Malcolm Blight Medal.
Kelly said there was also a significance behind Cumming’s number allocation.
“When working through guernsey allocations with players that we acquired in the trade period, I had a conversation with Isaac Cumming about numbers that were unallocated, which included number 17,” Kelly said.
“At this stage we hadn’t announced our commitment to selecting Tyler Welsh in the National Draft and it was likely that No.17 was going to be allocated to Isaac.
“Following our public commitment to Tyler, Isaac contacted me and requested that the number be allocated to Tyler.
“This is an early example of the type of person and teammate that Isaac is and will be. He was aware of the number Scott had worn and prioritised Tyler, which was a great show of character.”
Kelly said South Adelaide product Sid Draper’s taking of No.34 was a nod to former Crow and four-time All-Australian Ben Hart, who owned the locker from 1991 until the end of 2006.
“Every guernsey number has its story and in the instance of No.34 it is a tale that centres on one of the all time greats of our Club, Ben Hart,” Kelly said.
“Ben is one of the most decorated players in our history - a two-time Premiership player, 311 games, AFC Hall of Fame inductee, Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Club Champion, and four time All-Australian.
“We reference the past not to burden the present but for an appreciation of who has gone before and we certainly made sure that Sid was aware of Ben’s contribution to the Club.”
