The Auburn Tigers have made a bold move in the AFL free agency period, confirming a high-profile signing that is sure to turn heads in the coming season. The club, which has been undergoing a transformative phase, announced today that they have secured the services of star midfielder Tommy Sloane from the Western Bulldogs on a multi-year deal. The deal, reportedly worth $1.2 million per season, sees Sloane head to Auburn with immediate effect and has sent ripples through the AFL landscape as teams scramble to react to the Tigers’ newfound power.
A Huge Statement of Intent
Auburn’s acquisition of Sloane signals a new chapter for the club, as they seek to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the AFL competition. Over the past few seasons, the Tigers have been in a rebuilding phase, with a strong emphasis on youth development and improving their squad depth. However, their signing of a player of Sloane’s caliber indicates that they are now ready to push for finals contention and perhaps even challenge for a premiership in the near future.
Sloane, 26, has been one of the league’s standout midfielders since his debut, earning multiple All-Australian selections and establishing himself as a key player for the Bulldogs. His elite ball-winning ability, leadership qualities, and versatility have made him one of the AFL’s most respected players. Despite a challenging 2023 season with the Bulldogs, where injuries limited his impact, Sloane is still seen as one of the premier midfielders in the competition, and his addition to the Tigers’ roster will be seen as a massive coup.
Tommy Sloane’s Statement on Joining Auburn
In his first comments as an Auburn Tiger, Sloane expressed his excitement about the move and what he believes he can bring to the team.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to join such an ambitious club like Auburn,” Sloane said at his introductory press conference. “There’s a lot of excitement around this group, and I feel I can add something to that midfield unit with my experience and leadership. I’ve always admired the Tigers’ style of play, and after meeting with the coaches and the leadership group, I’m convinced that this is the right fit for me as a player and as a person.”
Sloane continued, “I’m ready to get stuck in and help the club take the next step. We’ve got a young group here with a lot of talent, and I think my experience and composure can complement that.”
The Impact on Auburn’s Midfield
Auburn’s midfield has been a key area of focus for the club during their rebuild, and Sloane’s signing is a game-changer. In 2023, the Tigers struggled with consistency in the middle of the ground, often lacking that elite ball-winning player who could turn games with a burst of brilliance. While young players like Harley McDonough and Jared Thomas have shown promise, the addition of Sloane brings an entirely new dimension.
Sloane’s skill set is built around his ability to extract the ball from stoppages, his exceptional footy IQ, and his ability to link up play with precision kicking. His presence in the midfield will not only bolster Auburn’s clearance work but will also allow the younger players to develop around him, learning from one of the best in the business. Furthermore, his leadership qualities will be invaluable in a young team that is still finding its feet in the AFL.
AFL Experts Weigh In
The news of Sloane’s move has been met with widespread praise from AFL pundits and former players alike. Many have described it as a masterstroke by Auburn, with the Tigers now looking like a team on the rise. AFL analyst Mark Robinson said that the move is indicative of Auburn’s growing ambitions and how seriously the club is taking their future.
“This is a brilliant move for Auburn. They’ve been on the up for a few years, but now they’ve added a genuine star,” Robinson said. “Sloane’s leadership and his ability to win the ball at the coalface will make a huge difference for Auburn. He’s the kind of player you can build a midfield around.”
Former AFL star Matthew Lloyd echoed Robinson’s sentiments, adding that Sloane could be the catalyst for the Tigers to push into the top eight in 2024.
“Auburn has been on the right track with their young players, but they needed an experienced head like Sloane to help elevate them,” Lloyd said. “He’s been an elite midfielder for a long time, and now he’ll help the younger guys become better players. This could be the start of something special for Auburn.”
Western Bulldogs Left to Regroup
While Auburn celebrates their new signing, the Western Bulldogs, Sloane’s former club, is now left to regroup. The Bulldogs, who had hoped to retain Sloane for the foreseeable future, are reportedly disappointed by his decision to leave but have already turned their focus toward rebuilding their midfield stocks. The club has been linked to several potential free-agent signings and draft picks in an effort to fill the void left by Sloane’s departure.
“It’s always difficult to lose a player of Tommy’s quality,” Bulldogs’ head coach Luke Beveridge said. “But we respect his decision, and we wish him all the best at Auburn. We’ll now look to strengthen our midfield through the draft and other free-agent options.”
Looking Ahead to 2024
With Tommy Sloane now part of their squad, Auburn is entering the 2024 AFL season with renewed optimism. The Tigers have made a strong statement to the competition, showing that they are ready to rise and compete with the league’s elite teams. Whether or not Sloane can be the difference-maker in their push for finals football will depend on the development of their younger players and how well their team gel.
Auburn fans are already buzzing with excitement over the prospect of watching Sloane in action, and the Tigers will be one of the most-watched teams in 2024. If everything clicks, this could be the year the Auburn Tigers truly announce themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the AFL.
Deal Confirmed: The Auburn Tigers’ signing of Tommy Sloane is not just a move for 2024 it’s a statement that this club is gearing up to contend for the AFL’s highest honors.
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