Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh is dead after a domestic dispute at his home. His son has been arrested.
“Police can confirm that the man murdered at Somerton Park in the early hours of the morning is Phil Walsh, coach of the Adelaide Crows,” police said in a statement.
His 26-year-old son was arrested after police were called to a domestic dispute at the home in Bungey Avenue, Somerton Park at 2am on Friday.
Walsh, 56, died at the scene despite attempts by ambulance officers.
His wife is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Nathan Brown, former Richmond player and Nine Network commentator, said the death was shocking and would impact many AFL clubs.
“I’m shocked,” Brown has told the Nine Network.
“At the moment beside myself that a lot of players are going to wake up today and be on their way to training and find out this news.
“He played for Collingwood, he played for Brisbane. He’s been at West Coast, he’s been at half the AFL clubs. This is going to touch so many people.”
matth
Guest
The game is cancelled. Each team to receive two points.
PaddyOz
Guest
Deepest Sympathy to the Walsh Family. As for the game a draw (if Geelong agree) would be appropriate.
slane
Guest
RIP. Condolences to the Walsh family.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Oh man... Times like this you realise just how trivial your own 'problems' are. I can't imagine what the Walsh family must be going through right now...
MJB
Guest
How awful. RIP Phil Walsh. Domestic violence is a scourge we need to tackle more seriously.
Wilson
Roar Guru
this is Tragic News and you have to feel for the Crows and Phils family. with the game the only other think they could do if the Cats Agree is set the game as a draw or give both 4 point or both 0 point if the game does not go ahead.
Jason K
Guest
I can't imagine the coach NOT wanting them to play and to play their hardest.
Jason K
Guest
Best wishes from the USA to all Crows fans. The whole footy universe feels the loss.
Perry Bridge
Guest
There had been articles where he'd touched on his strained relationship with his son - and 10 lost years whilst too dedicated to the Port assistant job. He'd suggested that the damage had been done and his son and daughter were older now - so the Adelaide top job was at a better time. There had though been other comments come through about people around the Crows concerned that Walsh had to ease off a bit - and when I heard that a couple of weeks ago I'd thought back to the earlier stories and wondered - but never anticipated this sort of outcome. More will be told about the relationship no doubt - in coming days and later via official proceedings.
Donald
Roar Rookie
Rest in Peace
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
It is absolutely tragic news and hard to believe. Thoughts definitely go out to his friends and family.
DJW
Guest
Shocking news to wake up to. Unbelievable. RIP Phil Walsh
Nudge
Guest
They can't possibly play. The game will be cancelled.
Mark
Guest
Tragic. Don't see how the players can get up for the Cats game. Surely it would be the thing furthest from their mind.
Franko
Guest
Just unbelievable, thoughts with his friends and family. Rosie Battie has done some great work with domestic violence against women, there's been a big focus on 'coward punching' in Sydney. We need a focus on violence in general against all people, this is a huge problem in Australia.