AFL star midfielder Rory Sloane and his wife have announced the loss of their first child, Leo, after he was stillborn last week.

The Adelaide Crows' vice-captain and wife Belinda, a television presenter for lifestyle program SA Weekender, posted a photograph and statement to their Instagram accounts.

"Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man," the statement read.

"Leo Rory Sloane was born into the world still, but perfect.

"Thanks for making us the proudest parents and filling our hearts with love beyond measure, the moments we had with you are now beautiful memories that will last a lifetime."

The post ended with the hashtag #lionwarrior.

People flocked to social media to give their support to the Sloane family, with the Adelaide Crows posting a simple statement on Twitter and Facebook for their vice captain: "#weflyasone".

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Sloane was a late withdrawal from the Crows' final game of the season against Carlton at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium on August 25, and his teammates wore black armbands at the game.

The couple announced Belinda's pregnancy in April, amid speculation Sloane was considering signing on with a Victorian AFL club after the 2018 season.

In July, Sloane re-signed with the Crows on a five-year contract through to the end of 2023.

At the time, Sloane released a statement saying he was, "super excited about what the future holds, both from a personal and football perspective".

The Stillbirth Foundation Australia, a national charity dedicated to stillbirth research, says six babies are stillborn every day in Australia, with no known cause of death.

A Senate inquiry is currently investigating the nation's stillbirth rate.

The Federal Government is looking at research and funding, noting, "Despite significant technological and medical advances, the rate of stillborn babies in Australia has not declined in two decades".

News of the Sloanes' loss followed Sydney Swans star Gary Rohan and his wife Amie announcing in April one of their twin baby girls died shortly after her birth, due to a fatal neural tube defect known as anencephaly.