Geelong coach Mark Thompson says the loss to Adelaide pales to the pre-game heart attack of the AFL club's doctor, Geoff Allen.

Dr Allen is recovering from a severe heart attack about 25 minutes before the AAMI Stadium match on Friday night.

Witnessed by Geelong players, Dr Allen collapsed and was treated on the arena for about 10 minutes.

At one stage, sheets were held around the scene where Dr Allen was being treated, concerning more than 41,000 spectators as they settled in their seats.

Dr Allen was taken by ambulance to hospital for further treatment.

"He's okay, he's in hospital, he's awake talking to his wife and family so that is great news," Thompson said post-match.

"It's not great to see one of your family members, your doctors, nearly die on the footy ground before a game, it's just incredible."

Thompson said the scenes unsettled Geelong coaching staff and players before being defeated by 11 points by the Crows.

"We couldn't shield them, they were there, they seen (sic) every aspect of it, they seen (sic) trying to revive him," he said.

"We knew by the time that we got on the ground he was still alive but he was going to be taken to hospital and be a good chance to survive, and he is.

"So that is great - it's probably more important than a game of footy really."

Given the circumstances, Geelong's players started remarkably, kicking the initial three goals of the match.

Adelaide kicked seven goals to four in the last half of a tight encounter to deal Geelong their fourth loss of the year.

"They just had a very good attitude, a better attitude than us," Thompson said of the Crows, describing the performance as "un-Geelong like."

"I don't think we showed them enough respect."

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