Herald Sun |
RORY might be the most famous footballing Sloane from Upwey Tecoma, but his older brother is fast becoming a hometown favourite.
Dylan is the Tigers’ full-back, and has won praise for fulfilling two mammoth tasks in recent weeks.
The 26-year-old sibling of Adelaide Crow Rory played on Monbulk guest forward Brendan Fevola on Anzac Day, then Belgrave spearhead Mitch Collins, who kicked 135 goals last year, just a week later.
Sloane kept Fevola, fresh from 9.11 for Yarrawonga the previous weekend, to six goals.
The following round the rebounding defender ran rings around Collins, who managed just three majors in his side’s loss.
Sloane said he prided himself on his aerial battles and running off his opponents.
“It’s been a big couple of weeks and it was good fun playing on Fev as well as a good learning experience,’’ he said.
“It wasn’t just how big he is, because he plays big, but is so agile below his knees.
“I couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled out some real magic once the ball hit the ground and you just concede that Fev will get those and you’re not going to keep him to under five goals.
“I felt where I could improve (after Fev) was to attack the ball harder once it hit the ground, run off my opponent as much as possible and tire them out once the ball cleared, which I tried to do on Mitch.”
When not spoiling in the backline, Ferntree Gully-based Sloane runs his own film and television production company and is a landscaper.
Upwey has put Sloane’s skills to work and called on him to produce motivational videos on the eve of its finals series.
After playing in a Tigers flag-winning side in 2011, Sloane left the den last year to travel overseas.
He capped the adventure by meeting up with Rory in Mexico after the Crows AFL campaign.
“I missed footy a lot. I really struggled when Upwey didn’t start the year well and I had a few chats with Dad and others about coming home and helping out, but the team recovered and got back on track,’’ he said.
“I’d played 10 years in a row before going away and I feel completely refreshed now.
“I got really fit over preseason.
“Now I love training and I can’t wait for the games each weekend.
“It’s a real excitement.’’
Between juggling footy and work, Sloane manages to head to Adelaide a handful of times a year to watch Rory play.
The SA border has strengthened the brothers’ relationship.
“It was a bit emotional when he first went away because, from the age of 17, he’s been my best friend,’’ Sloane said.
“We’re still really close. We talk five or six times a week, not just about footy but everything.’’
And, they share the same cheeky charm.
“I had a quick chat with Rory the night before the Monbulk game and he told me Fev was big and slow now and just to play smart,’’ Sloane laughed.
“Rory is the golden child, but everyone should get behind me until Adelaide wins the grand final.
“I’ve won two and Rory says he won one in under-12s, but I tell him that doesn’t count.’’
