ADELAIDE defender Kyle Hartigan remains in hospital with a fractured rib and internal bleeding after a heavy clash in Saturday's SANFL clash against Port Adelaide at Alberton.

Hartigan was moving back with the flight of the ball in the third term when he was crunched in a marking contest and needed to be helped from the field.

The 22-year-old played seven games for the senior side earlier this year before being dropped to the SANFL after Adelaide's round-10 loss to Carlton.

The club said Hartigan would "be closely monitored for several days".

Twitter: @AFL_Harry