Rory Sloane originally wasn’t meant to play against North Melbourne on Sunday.

But the Crows faithful were sure glad he did.

When a surgical assessment detected a tear in Sloane’s retina in the days following Adelaide’s Round 17 loss to Fremantle, the prognosis was that he would miss a minimum of two games.

“It’s strange. Last week, I felt fine and could see pretty well,” said Sloane, who went on to collect 30 possessions and seven marks against Freo despite the first-quarter injury.

“It was frustrating having to sit out because my body felt good … but the surgeon said that if you get another knock on it you can need surgery.

“You don’t want to have surgery on your eyes.”

After only one week on the sidelines and visits to two surgeons, as well as Club Doctor Andrew Potter, Sloane was given the all-clear to resume playing.

“The two specialists and doc (Potter) were happy for me to play. Sando was a little concerned and it’s great to have a coach who is concerned about your welfare,” Sloane said.

“But as soon as the specialist said there was no need for another week off, I didn’t want to miss another game.”

The 23-year-old’s remarkable recuperative powers are shaded only by his football ability.

Sloane was arguably the difference in Adelaide’s nine-point win over the Kangaroos.

The gut-running midfielder amassed 28 possessions (17 in the second half), 10 marks, eight clearances, eight tackles and 2.1 in a best-on-ground performance.

Sloane’s two goals came at critical times in the second half.

His first was against the flow of play from a difficult angle, 45m out at the Northern end in the third quarter. His second goal was from only a few metres out in the last, but came as a result of some trademark hard work and a well-judged mark running back with the flight of the ball.

“I was spent. I just started running towards goal,” Sloane said of the play.

“I don’t think Hendo (Ricky Henderson) saw me, I think he was going for the goals.

“I was lucky the ball landed in my lap.”

Coach Brenton Sanderson was full of praise for Sloane after the game.

“Sloaney is an outstanding player. He does that a lot. It’s quickly becoming the same names that light up when the game is really on the line,” Sanderson said.

“Patrick Dangerfield had 13 inside 50ms and Crouchy was outstanding again in his first year of AFL footy. We’re seeing some great signs from a young group.”

Sloane watched from the coach’s box last week as the Crows squandered a 20-point lead to lose to Port Adelaide by four points in Balfours Showdown XXXV.

Adelaide found itself in a similar position on Sunday, relinquishing the lead early in the final quarter before steadying and kicking the next two goals. Again Sloane’s composure and courage was pivotal, with the emerging leader taking a strong mark to thwart a Kangaroos attack with less than two minutes to play.

Sloane said the team was determined to learn from its mistakes of last week.

“I think after being up for most of the game and letting it slip last week, it burned in our minds. It was good that we were able to stay composed in the last quarter today and get the win,” he said.

“Over the past couple of months, we’ve played some good footy but haven’t quite rewarded ourselves with wins. I think today just helped with the belief that we can win.

“Hopefully, now we can finish off the year strong.”