AFL star Rory Sloane reveals baby son was stillborn: 'Our beautiful little man'

AFL star Rory Sloane and his TV presenter wife Belinda have shared the heartbreaking news their baby son was stillborn.

Earlier this afternoon, the couple shared identical photos on Instagram of them holding the hand of baby Leo, their first child together.

"Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man," the Adelaide Crows player, 28, and Channel 7 presenter both wrote.

"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 midfielder had missed the Crows' final home and away game against Carlton on Saturday night, with the Adelaide Football Club explaining his absence was due to a "private family matter". 

"The club asks that the privacy of Rory, his wife Belinda and their families is respected at this time," a statement read.

Rory and Belinda, who both hail from Melbourne, announced they were expecting their first child in April, with the father-to-be sharing an Instagram photo of the pair paddleboarding.

"Belinda and grom on board," he wrote, using a slang term for a young surfer.