Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has praised the contributions of Taylor Walker and Daniel Talia after the pair opted not to be included in the Crows’ 2020 leadership group.

Although they no longer have leadership titles attached, Sloane is adamant both players will continue to provide guidance to the entire playing list. 

“We’re so fortunate at this footy club, we’ve got some unbelievable leaders,” Sloane told AFC Media. 

“Tex and Tals, I think, are some of the greatest leaders across the competition.

“Those two took a real selfless approach to this and stepped aside from any formal leadership role, but they’re some of the most important leaders we have at our footy club as well.

The Club’s new-look leadership group features two fresh faces, with Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee elevated to official positions for the first time.

Combined with the experience and passion of forward Tom Lynch, and the hard-edge of midfielder Matt Crouch, the Crows have a diverse mix guiding them into this season.

“We’ve got Tommy Lynch, who’s an unbelievable leader. He leads by example, ruthless footballer and sets the right example,” Sloane said. 

“We’ve got Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee and Matty Crouch as well, who are all phenomenal leaders and all bring something different - that’s what I love about those three in particular.

“Smitty’s not only one of the funniest blokes that brings an incredible amount of humour to this group, but he’s got some of the best relationships across the board.

“Tom Doedee is a young, raw leader. Like everyone, we see him leading this Club in the future at some point, definitely, and what he brings is a completely different view from everybody else.”

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Introducing your new leadership group

Two exciting inclusions into our 2020 Leadership Group.

Two weeks into January’s pre-season program, Sloane said he has been impressed by the attitude of every player on the list, particularly the younger talent pushing through.

“Since we’ve been back, this group’s been really hungry,” Sloane said.

“We’ve got some young guys that are chomping at the bit to play some senior footy, which is driving a really high standard of the whole group so I find that really exciting.

“Some of them are unbelievable trainers and unbelievable footballers so you’re gonna see a lot of young guys come through.

To our fans, I just want them to jump on board, come along for the ride, get around our young boys and just enjoy themselves too.

- Captain Rory Sloane