'Hard to let go': Adelaide star Rory Sloane admits he is 'sad' after retirement lap of honour
Adelaide has paid tribute to retiring club champion Rory Sloane during Showdown 55 against rivals Port Adelaide.
Sloane announced his retirement from the game earlier in the week, hanging up the boots immediately after a stellar 255-game career.
The former captain did not feature for the Crows this season following a second bout of eye surgery on a detached retina earlier this year.
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He made the call to retire after extensive consultation with doctors and eye specialists in recent months.
Sloane is a two-time All-Australian and a two-time Adelaide best and fairest.
Rory Sloane celebrated with his Wife Belinda, sons Sonny, Bodhi and daughter Summer Maree. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The former Crow walked a lap of honour before the game at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, with his three children.
"I love this game, I love our club. I love these nights in particular," Sloane told Fox Footy.
He admitted he was struggling to "let go" of his career, believing he had more to give, but not willing to take the risk.
"It's hard to let go of something you love, but I'll continue to look at what's next and what I enjoy doing, the career I had, because I loved every minute," Sloane said.
Sloane completed a lap of honour with his children. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The 34-year-old said he would never forget the love from Crows fans.
It's something he'll miss the most in retirement.
"So much (love). Every year of my career, every game you feel the love from our fans," he said.
"Highly emotional, sad but happy."
Sloane also paid tribute to some of his former teammates who he declared made him a better footballer.
Namely friend turned rival Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield.
"He's (Dangerfield) one of the reasons why I've had such a huge career. You come in (from the draft) with guys like himself, Tex (Walker), Phil Davis," Sloane said.
"You help make each other better."
Walker wore Sloane's warm-up top before the game, in honour of his mate.
At the nine-minute mark of the first quarter, Crows fans gave the beloved No.9 a standing ovation.
