Adelaide captain Rory Sloane is confident Taylor Walker’s decision to step down as co-captain won’t change his impact in the locker room.
Speaking on Triple M’s The Rush Hour, Sloane said the decision “wouldn’t change who he is as a person.”
“He’ll still drive the exact same standards regardless of a title next to his name,” Sloane said.
“The number one thing as a leader is performing on-field and that’s something I think Tex going forward (will find) very rewarding.
“(With) a lot of pressure off, he’ll play some outstanding footy.”
Regarding the captaincy ahead of the 2020 season, Sloane reiterated his love for the Club and said a decision would be made at a later date.
“We still need to go through the process at the start of next year on how we want the captaincy to look and whether it’ll be co-captains,” he said.
OPEN LETTER: Walker pens note to fans
“I’ve loved this footy club since the day I’ve been here and regardless of titles, I always want to lead and seek what’s best for the Club.
“A title of captain has never driven me and never will, what’s driven me is the desire to be the best version of myself and subsequently get the best out of this Club, which this season we probably struggled with.”
Walker spoke on Triple M’s Roo & Ditts on Thursday morning and said it was difficult to break the news to Sloane.
“Rory was a bit emotional (when I told him),” Walker said.
“It’s like telling your best mate when you’re moving away.
“Sloaney has been in the role for 12 months, whether it’s him to continue or go down a younger path... I still have great belief he can lead our footy Club.”
Walker also announced his wife Ellie is pregnant, with the pair expecting in November.