Rory Sloane hugs Bryce Gibbs after his retirement game in Round 17. Picture: Kieron Turner/AFC Media

The end of any football season is a bittersweet time.

There’s the positive in being able to spend time with your teammates as a group to celebrate the achievements and milestones from the year that was.

But sadly, there is the harsh reality of the annual list turnover and preparing to say goodbye to beloved friends and colleagues.

The 2020 off-season will be especially brutal across the AFL industry with each club forced to slash over $3 million from their soft cap expenditure due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Adelaide captain Rory Sloane said it was the worst time of year in footy clubs.

“It’s sad. Unfortunately it’s (affecting) every industry at the moment and it’s something we’ll face as a footy club,” Sloane told AFC Media.

It’s the worst time of year in footy clubs, the last couple of weeks where there is that angst around and uncertainty around what the future holds for staff, players, coaches, everyone.

- Rory Sloane

Countless difficult conversations will be had across the country in coming weeks, many of which may have already taken place.

For Sloane, the only way to approach these conversations is by being candid and forthright, knowing friendships extend beyond the four walls of a football club.

“The important thing is just be really honest and up-front because people just appreciate honesty,” Sloane said.

“Show genuine care and that’s the only way you can approach these situations.

“There are so many guys that have left the footy club over the years. You make great mates through footy and you just be friends with them forever.

“If we’re honest and we help people exit, and help them with their next phase in life, I think that’s all you can do.”

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Gibba's Special Day

Bryce Gibbs reflects on his final game for the Crows.

No matter what each individual’s future holds, Sloane said the Crows family will gather as a group after Saturday’s final game against Richmond and celebrate together.

“We’ll be able to certainly enjoy catching up as a whole group. It’s been a tough year, but I think the way we’ve finished is certainly worth celebrating,” Sloane said.

“We'll celebrate some milestones we haven’t been able to. A couple of 200 gamers (in Taylor Walker and Daniel Talia) ... a retirement in Gibba (Bryce Gibbs).

“It's also a good chance to catch up with some of the coaches and staff that were here all pre-season.

"It feels like a different year, but we’ll catch up with those guys again and make sure we celebrate with them too.”