ADELAIDE'S Rory Sloane and wife Belinda are mourning the loss of their first child after he was stillborn.
Sloane didn't play in the Crows' round 23 game against Carlton at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night due to a private family matter.
On Thursday, Sloane posted a photo on Instagram of the couple's son – named Leo Rory Sloane – along with a message of how grateful they were of having him in their lives, even for such a short amount of time.
"Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man," Sloane wrote in an Instagram post.
"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."
Rory and Belinda announced in April they were expecting their first child.
