'Smiling assassin' and Tex the perfect fit for Crows

ONE is a tough competitor who is a smiling assassin off the field, while the other has an aura that resonates with his teammates.

That's why Adelaide defender Andy Otten believes having Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker as co-captains of the Crows this year is a perfect fit.

Otten should know – he arrived at the Crows in the same draft class as Walker in 2007, with Sloane joining the club the following year.

"I wasn't surprised at all because they're two strong, empowering, unique figures of our football club and both represent the football club in an amazing way," Otten told AFL.com.au.

"They really complement each other so well.

"Rory is such a tough competitor, then a smiling assassin off the field.

"Tex is this empowering figure and he's been leading since he first walked into the club.

"He's got this aura about him, a country boy who has this fierceness about him on game day which really resonates.

"It's a perfect fit for both."

Walker has captained the Crows by himself for the past four seasons, while Sloane had been the vice-captain since 2017.

Crows coach Don Pyke decided to promote Sloane to the co-captaincy to help share the load with Walker.

"They're super excited and the playing list is super excited to have them both lead us," Otten said.

Walker and Sloane lead a club that is desperate to make amends for last year's disappointing season.

The 2017 grand finalists missed out on the top eight but have returned to training with a new-found resolve.

"We all made a bit of pact to come back re-energised," Otten said.

"We're a really proud playing group.

"We weren't happy with how last year went and we want to come back and bring some energy back into the place.

"We made an emphasis on it and it's paying dividends with how well everyone's been training."

Otten and Sloane were granted life memberships of the Crows at their season launch on Thursday night.

Otten, 29, has played 106 games for the Crows and fought his way back from two knee reconstructions.

Sloane, 28, is a dual Malcolm Blight medallist, has played 177 games for the Crows and will finish his career as a one-club player after signing a five-year contract extension until 2023.

Former Crows officials Alan Stewart and Robert Reid were also recognised for their service to the club with life memberships.