ADELAIDE players are helping each other to cope with the emotional toll of Phil Walsh's death, says star midfielder Rory Sloane.
But despite everyone's best efforts, he said moments like the tribute to Walsh after Thursday night's Port Adelaide-Collingwood match at Adelaide Oval still threatened to overwhelm.
The Crows will play their first match since Walsh's passing against West Coast on Saturday night at Domain Stadium in Perth.
Crows keep it simple ahead of emotional return
A fractured cheekbone will keep Sloane from the field but he travelled with the team to Perth and participated in their light training session on Friday afternoon.
He said it was important that everyone remained together
"Sticking together is the best thing," Sloane said.
"That's where the guys have felt the most normal, is at the footy club and around each other.
"We wanted to get as many people around here tomorrow, because it's a very family-oriented club, a very tight-knit club and that's the sort of atmosphere we want to create at the game tomorrow."
Sloane said he had been coping with the situation well until he saw the post-match tribute to Walsh at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
"I'm probably like everyone, you have your moments," Sloane said.
"Seeing the tribute last night after the game was pretty hard as well. It's been great seeing the whole AFL community get around Walshy and Meredith and Quinn. It's been really nice seeing so much support."
Sloane said he did not think it would be too difficult for the players to focus on playing football again on Saturday night.
"I don't think so," Sloane said.
"It's just one of those things, you play it as it comes. We've got back into our routine and there will definitely be some emotion in the game as we saw from Port Adelaide and Collingwood last night.
"I think we will play a type of footy that Walshy would have loved and I am sure West Coast will do the same because I know Walshy was a big part of their footy club as well."
Sloane was disappointed not to be able to play against the Eagles but he was excited for the players who will be involved, including Riley Knight who will make his AFL debut.
"I'd love to be out there, and so would a lot of other guys," Sloane said.
"But we've got other guys like Riley Knight coming in for his first game.
"There's some guys who'll be emotionally ready to take on this game.
"What a game to be involved in as well, to pay tribute to a great man."
