Rory Sloane has been confirmed as Adelaide’s sole skipper for 2020, but there wasn’t room for former captain Taylor Walker or veteran defender Daniel Talia in the leadership group.
Sloane was co-captain last year but will take on the role solo after Walker decided to step down.
Walker and Talia have been left out of the five-man leadership group altogether, while Josh Jenkins (traded to Geelong) and Richard Douglas (delisted) are other outs.
Matt Crouch and Tom Lynch retain their leadership positions, with All-Australian Brodie Smith and emerging defender Tom Doedee the new additions.
Every Crows player was consulted and asked to take into account the squad’s values and behaviours before new coach Matthew Nicks settled on the group.
Nicks said the Crows were entering a new era and fresh faces in the leadership group would only add to the excitement and optimism.
“Rory typifies the qualities and attributes that every club wants in its leaders and he was a standout choice as captain, and I am confident we have the right mix of players assisting him,” Nicks said.
“As a new addition to the group, Brodie has a strong rapport with both younger and older team mates while being a consistent on-field performer.
“Likewise, Tom is well rounded and highly-rated by everyone in the football department, along with those in the administration, and commands respect for his resilience and manner in which he has approached his injury layoff.
“In regards to Taylor and Daniel, the feedback from their peers suggested they both could have been included in the leadership group but we have decided it is time to transition and provide leadership opportunities to others.
“They were supportive of the decision and are highly respected members of the playing group, and will continue to provide guidance and advice across the football program.”
The Crows have endured a nightmare time since losing the 2017 grand final, with their 2018 pre-season camp leading to a series of long-lasting problems that eventually led to the demise of coach Don Pyke.
