Midfielder Rory Sloane today announced his retirement after 225 games over 16 seasons with the Adelaide Crows.

The former captain made the decision in “the best interests of his long-term health” according to the club.

It follows a second bout of surgery on a detached retina earlier this year, with Sloane saying his decision followed extensive consultation with doctors and eye specialists.

“I have given it my all to get back to playing and generally speaking my body is in great shape and I’m mentally fresh but ultimately, the risk of another eye injury is too great,” he said.

“More so the impact it could have on my life and the potential for loss of vision. I’ve come to realise this is definitely not like the more common injuries you can get from playing the game.

“Our footy club is a special place and I have absolutely loved every minute of my career, and along the way I have grown and experienced so much as a person and footballer.”

Sloane was drafted with pick number 44 in 2008, and he went on to debut in 2009. By 2013 he won his first Malcolm Blight Medal as Adelaide’s Club Champion.

Sloane was named co-captain alongside Taylor Walker in 2019 and was sole captain from 2020 to 2022 before passing the baton to Jordan Dawson.

“I am not going anywhere in a hurry and will continue to be around the Club, helping out when and where I can, for the remainder of the season,” he said.

“Footy and the Crows have been such a big part of my life and while I’m disappointed to not be playing anymore, there’s also a feeling of pride as well as excitement for what lies ahead for not just me and my family but the Club as well.”