Adelaide suffer major pre-finals AFL blow

Star Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane is in serious doubt for their AFL qualifying final because he needs his appendix removed.

Adelaide's Rory Sloane is in doubt for their AFL qualifying final as he needs his appendix removed. (AAP)

Rory Sloane is in hospital to have his appendix removed, putting the Adelaide star in serious doubt for the start of the AFL finals.

Sloane complained of stomach pain on Tuesday morning and was pulled from a scheduled club media conference, with Tom Lynch taking his place.

The Crows confirmed Sloane had his appendix removed but are hopeful he will recover for the home qualifying final on Thursday next week against GWS.

But Adelaide's premier midfielder has just nine days to recover - his teammate Eddie Betts had his appendix removed in late July and didn't play for 14 days.

The Crows vice-captain had been finding the form that resulted in Brownlow medal favouritism after the first six rounds of the season.

Sloane gathered a season-high 38 disposals in Sunday's loss to West Coast, continuing his rebound from mid-season troubles with taggers.

His absence would be keenly felt by the Crows, despite the return of captain Taylor Walker (toe), fullback Daniel Talia (ankle) and midfielder Hugh Greenwood (rested) for the Adelaide Oval final.