Leadership lessons from the Crows

Sloane, a dual Malcolm Blight Medallist, was selected in the All-Australian team in 2016, and won a Showdown Medal in 2017.

He now works in media, joining Nine as an AFL expert commentator for 2025.

“I am positive by choice but not to the point of blindness. But I always say, ask yourself what is the best possible move you can make in any situation, there is always a choice,” he told the principals at a session this week.

In his 16 years and 255 games he said he always tried to take the best option to move him forward.

“Leadership is influence over people, to impact them positively or negatively. I don't love the term ‘leader’, I prefer influence,” Sloane said.

“A title does not make you a leader.”

He carried a lesson from his dad that he learned as a teenager that leadership is not about titles. He recalled a story in 2016 when he comprehensively won a leadership vote at the Crows, but the coach still made Taylor Walker the captain.

“It actually didn't feel weird for me in the slightest as I knew I would lead anyway, and it worked so well as we both had two different styles of leadership.”

Sloane said he himself drew inspiration from Spartacus, a lowly slave who through his ideas and influence became one of the greatest leaders of all time. Spartacus led the largest slave revolt against Rome.

“Ask yourself who you admire, what are their traits? “

He said there was a strong synergy between keeping a whole squad of athletes engaged to running a real estate business.

“You cannot let your ego take over.”

“Words also mean nothing without action.”

“I took extreme ownership over my time. I would get up earlier, so if you feel you are struggling with time and find the gaps. Scrap scrolling on your phone and go to bed earlier. Make time to do the things you love as it will help you perform better in your role.”