Sloane says insane build-up to AFL clash

Adelaide’s star midfielder Rory Sloane says the build-up to the Crows’ first AFL game at Adelaide Oval has been insane.

Home-town rivals Port Adelaide will host the Crows in their round-two derby clash on Saturday in the first match at a newly-completed Adelaide Oval, which has undergone a $535 million redevelopment.

Sloane says he has always looked on with envy at the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day clashes, which attract enormous crowds.

Last year’s Collingwood-Essendon fixture drew over 93,000 to the MCG on Anzac Day.

Saturday’s “Showdown” at Adelaide Oval is expected to feature a crowd of over 50,000.

“We look at Collingwood and Essendon. They get to play in front of a huge crowd on Anzac Day,” Sloane told Nine’s “The Footy Show” on Thursday night.

“I’m always very jealous of them playing in front of such a massive crowd.

“Now we get to do that ourselves. It will be nothing like I’ve ever experienced.”

The Crows’ 2013 club champion said the build-up to the “Showdown” in the Adelaide media had been non-stop in the past few days.

“It’s hard not to get excited already, especially now standing here under lights having a look at the oval,” Sloane said.

“It’s just insane. I just want to get out here already.

“Saturday’s going to be massive for both teams.”

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak said the rivalry between the two clubs was huge.

“The atmosphere on Saturday night is going to be amazing,” Boak said.

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