In just their second away win of the season, the Crows held off a late Lions challenge despite playing with two players injured for the final three quarters.
Sloane said it was an important victory which was a positive pointer to the future.
“It was really a stepping stone to where we want to go,” Sloane said.
“We have had a pretty up and down year so we really wanted to play today how we will be playing next year.”
Playing in his 13th AFL game, the 20 year old gathered 16 disposals including a team high 11 contested possessions.
He said winning on the road was a major focus, which was ready for the warm Brisbane weather.
“We knew the climate was going to be different,” Sloane said.
“It was going to be warm so we really came prepared mentally for this game.”
Sloane said it wasn’t until half time that he realised that Bernie Vince (knee) and Chris Knights (hamstring) were gone for the game.
He said it gave the players even more resolve to find something extra.
“It was a couple of big losses, especially both from the midfield,” Sloane said.
“It takes its toll, but the theme (at half time) was to really dig deep and really prove that we could run over the top of them.
“We were going to have to ramp up the work rate and effort to cover for those guys, as there was obviously not going to be as many rotations.”
Sloane said the players were not daunted by a horror draw to end the season, facing Collingwood at the MCG then St Kilda at AAMI Stadium.
“Collingwood are in great form,” Sloane said. “Their contested footy is at a level that is probably above everyone else, and St Kilda is hitting some good form now so it is going to be a great test for us.
“There is plenty that we can get out of the season still, as long as we maintain our contested footy and ramp up our pressure, that will be good for next year.”
