Rory Sloane has inked a new five-year deal on Wednesday, giving the two-time Club Champion the chance to see out his career as a one-club player for the Crows.

Media attention in 2018 has been high for the star midfielder and the potential for a return home to Melbourne, but Sloane says the chance to play out his time in Adelaide was a key factor in re-signing.

“The footy club’s been unbelievable for me for 10 years and another five… it’s a bit surreal at the moment but absolutely pumped,” Sloane said.

“One club player is something a lot of kids dream about.

“It was certainly a factor in the decision as I look at a lot of greats that have played for this footy club and it would be great to finish my time here.”

Since joining the Club as a fresh 18-year-old, Sloane, now 28, quickly developed into a leader at the Crows and was named Club Champion in 2013 and 2016.

He was also named to the 2016 All-Australian squad as vice-captain while 2017 saw him take home the AFLPA Most Courageous Player Award and an All-Australian nomination.

Sloane credits his maturity to the challenge of playing interstate as a teenager.

“The footy club has really shaped me from a young age. I came over here when I was 18 and forced to grow up pretty quickly,” he said.

“There’s a lot of maturing to do early on and I was lucky to have some great leaders and coaches around me that taught me how to train hard and really to get the most out of myself in terms of football.”

Family also played a large part in the choice, with Sloane and his wife Belinda expecting their first child later this year, making it a difficult call home.

“It was the toughest part of the whole process, calling the families,” Sloane said.

“We’ve got an unbelievable family and unbelievable support and they were all pumped for us, which we knew they would be.”

Despite the Crows 2018 season not going entirely to plan, Sloane is excited for the next chapter of his career.

“I love the direction this club’s heading,” he said.

“This year’s obviously been tough for a few reasons, but my confidence never wavered in what we’re capable of achieving in the next few years.

“There’s only one goal I’ve got in footy and that’s to get back to where we were last year and go one step further.”