Rory Sloane has re-signed with Adelaide Crows on a monster five-year deal in a decision that has surprised the AFL community.
There had been speculation that Sloane may head home to Victoria in the off-season, something that was discussed with even more ferocity following news that he and wife Belinda were expecting their first child.
Sloane has been with the Crows since 2009, and the new deal means he will stay with the club until at least 2023.
Heart and soul. And we'll be seeing plenty more of this from Sloaney over the next 🖐 years! 😄😄 #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/nQr7KgFez3
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 11, 2018
The 28-year-old has played 171 matches for the Crows since his debut back in 2009.
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He earned his first and, so far only, All Australian selection back in 2016, but has also claimed two Malcolm Blight Medals for being the Crows' best and fairest.
Inner sanctum: Watch the playing group's reaction to Sloaney's news during Wednesday's team meeting at Adelaide Oval 🙌 #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/O6BTqZzgic
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 11, 2018
It seems that the familiar feel of Adelaide is what got the deal over the line.
“This is a great footy club and I have said many times before how much I respect and love the place and people, particularly the playing group,” Sloane said via the Crows' website.
“There is always a lot to weigh up, especially given Belinda and I are about to start a family, and we have been in constant talks with the club for some time.
“I’m super excited about what the future holds, both from a personal and football perspective.
“We have created a great environment where there is a genuine care for each other and strong desire to achieve the ultimate success.”
Collingwood, St Kilda and North Melbourne were among the Victorian clubs looking to add Sloane to their playing group, with The AFL Rover also reporting that Essendon were in the mix.
Sloane has played just six matches in 2018 after suffering a foot injury - a huge factor in Adelaide's inconsistent season that sees them sitting 11th on the AFL ladder.
This joyous news for the Crows comes just weeks after club favourite Tom Lynch also put pen to paper.
You can watch the moment that Sloane's teammates found out about the news in the tweet below.
WATCH: The moment the @Adelaide_FC players find out vice-captain Rory Sloane will be a Crow for life. More TONIGHT in #9NewsAt6 pic.twitter.com/2nr95Ndk2y
— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) July 11, 2018
