Adelaide captain Rory Sloane is using his time on the sidelines to mentor the Crows’ fledgling midfield.

The 30-year-old has not played since Round Six against West Coast after dislocating his thumb and requiring surgery.

Not content to just wait, Sloane has been passing on his experience to the next wave of Crows midfielders.

“I’m not in the coaches box, I’m on the sidelines,” Sloane told The Optus Crows Show.

“Really it’s grabbing guys I can pass on a bit of knowledge to that works for me.

“Passing on one key thing that might help them, whether it’s Lairdy who came in against North Melbourne, or just some body position that might help them get the ball in their hands…”

Although limited at training, Sloane assured he was keeping his fitness up away from competitive matches.

“That’s the handiest thing, pardon the pun, about a broken thumb… I’m still able to do plenty of training and keep the fitness up,” Sloane said.

“Still doing plenty of running, cross-training, restrictive weights with one arm… I’ll end up looking like Rafa Nadal soon I reckon.”

Also on The Optus Crows Show this week, Andrew McPherson discusses life at home and Brodie Smith talks captaining the Club.

The Optus Crows Show airs on Saturday at 1pm on Channel 7 in Adelaide.

Interstate fans can catch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.