Belinda Sloane's heartbreaking Father's Day post for Rory

Belinda Sloane, the wife of Adelaide Crows star Rory, has paid a heartbreaking Father’s Day tribute in the wake of the tragic loss of the couple’s first child.

The pair last week shared the devastating news that they had lost their baby Leo, who was delivered stillborn.

“Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man,” she wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

On Sunday, to coincide with Father’s Day, Belinda shared another picture of Rory cradling little Leo in his arms.

“Happy Father’s Day to our hero,” Belinda captioned the photo with.

“Leo and I love you.”

The couple’s excruciating loss has left been felt right across the Australian sporting landscape, with condolences pouring in for the Sloane family.

Sloane, who had managed foot injuries throughout the year, withdrew from the Crows’ final game of the season to be with his family.

Sloane’s teammates wore black armbands in the 104-point victory as a mark of respect.

Former teammate Patrick Dangerfield also paid a heartwarming tribute to the Sloane family during the AFL Players’ Association Awards last week.

“To hear the news and to know the family so well and they’ve had a tough run with health as well over the past 18 months anyway,” Dangerfield said.

“To have my own child, to appreciate that for what it is and then to see the family not to be able to have that is tough.”

“For this playing group and not only Adelaide, but more broadly in the competition. He (Sloane) is such a wonderful voice to have on our PA board.”

“He contributes in such a way that not everyone understands because you don’t see what happens behind the scenes, but he’s such an influential figure in our competition.

“As I said before, our prayers are with Belinda and Rory and their whole family, because it’s just very tragic news.”