Adelaide captain Rory Sloane believes the Club’s first bottom-placed finish can “light a fire” for the Crows moving forward.

Despite three wins in the final four games, Adelaide finished 18th behind North Melbourne on percentage.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Sloane said there was plenty of work ahead.

“This had definitely been our toughest year as a footy club,” Sloane said.

“We finished bottom for the first time in the Club’s history… that hurts.

“It will sting the playing group (but) I also think it will light a fire to make sure it never happens again.”

The Crows skipper again praised the impact of Adelaide’s younger players and said it was important to continue debuting teammates in 2021.

“Harry Schoenberg, look what he’s been able to do… Lachie Sholl is the same,” Sloane said.

“We know we’ll get some top end talent (in the draft), some will be ready to play but some might need some time.

“You need balance, a good balance with senior players.”

With several state border restrictions still in place, Sloane urged his teammates to explore South Australia in the offseason break.

“I’d obviously love to go home and see family, but I’m encouraging guys to explore South Australia,” he said.

“We’re fortunate in SA that our protocols are quite good, we’ll be able to train together (before pre-season).”