Exciting Adelaide forward Jason Porplyzia's AFL season could be over after he underwent shoulder surgery on Thursday.

The luckless Porplyzia - who has a history of shoulder problems - faces between four and six months on the sidelines.

"We won't have a more definite timeframe until after the surgery and about a month of rehabilitation," Crows footballer operations general manager Phil Harper said on Thursday.

"We all hope the surgery goes well and then Jason can focus on his recovery.

"It's disappointing news but we will support him and help him get back because he's an outstanding young man and footballer."

Porplyzia kicked Adelaide's first goal of 2011 with his first kick of the season early in Saturday's opening-round against Hawthorn.

But he dislocated his right shoulder a couple of minutes later while attempting to lay a tackle.

The 26-year-old Porplyzia had a shoulder reconstruction late in the 2008 season but returned to kick 55 goals and finish runner-up in the Crows' best and fairest award the following year.

The Crows paid a heavy price for the win over the Hawks, with midfielder Rory Sloane breaking his thumb and jaw and David Mackay suffering a shoulder injury.

Adelaide have the bye in round two.

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