Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has spoken with the Club’s Indigenous players and says he has wrapped his arm around the entire group following the racial vilification incident involving Taylor Walker.
Sloane told the media on Tuesday he had “honest” talks with Adelaide’s Indigenous contingent and made it clear the Club does not stand for racism.
“They’ve been very honest with me, which is all I can ask for,” Sloane said.
“It’s very tough one for someone like myself to put myself in their position.
“(But) to try and understand this at a deeper level is something we all should do, to have the chat.
“As a whole footy Club, we don’t stand for racism.”
Sloane urged all Australians to take a stand against racism.
“I’ve said this to a few people, the main message from me to all of Australia is celebrate people’s differences,” he said.
“That’s as clear a message as I can give. We definitely don’t stand for racism.
“Treat everyone the same and celebrate their differences.”
Sloane said Walker was “incredibly remorseful” for the racist behaviour.
“He’s owned it, apologised and met with Robbie… he’s working through it the best way he knows how,” Sloane said.
“My first thing (as captain) was to check in on the people of our Club and make sure everyone was ok.
“That’s been the whole process and my standing, make sure our group stays as connected as possible.
“Our whole Club is hurting because this has been tough to deal with, we have a lot of people to look after.
“That’s the balance at the moment, make sure our Indigenous players are well looked after, and Tex is a part of our footy club so I’ll be there for him too.”