The AFL announced on Friday afternoon that in the wake of Adelaide Crows’ head coach Phil Walsh’s tragic passing, Sunday afternoon’s match between Adelaide and the Geelong Cats will not go ahead.
AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan, made the announcement, stating it was not fair to ask the young men of the Adelaide Crows or the Geelong Cats to play under the circumstances.
“Today, I have spoken with many people in the industry, briefed all our club CEOs and presidents and the AFL Commission. There have been discussions about the game on Sunday and even about the round.
“We have decided that the game on Sunday between Adelaide and Geelong will not go ahead.
“This is a decision of the competition as a remark of respect to Phil Walsh. It is our decision, because while playing footy can be part of the grieving process, we are strongly of the view that it is not fair to ask the young men of the Adelaide Crows or the Geelong Cats to play in these circumstances.”
At a statement made at club headquarters in Adelaide, Crows Chairman Rob Chapman said football was secondary at this difficult time.
“Phil was a great bloke and the outpouring of support and condolences we’ve seen right across the country today is testament to his profound impact on the game over a long period of time,” Chapman said.
“In the tragic circumstances, the welfare of Meredith, her family and our people is paramount. Through these difficult days, the Adelaide Football Club family will stick together and support each other unconditionally.
“We believe the AFL has made the right decision for the football community.
“We’d also like to thank the Geelong Football Club for their understanding and support of this decision.”
The premiership points on offer for the match will be shared, with each side gaining 2-points.
The remaining seven games for Round 14 will go ahead as scheduled.
A minute silence will be held before the first bounce of Collingwood and Hawthorn’s clash at the MCG on Friday night.
Lroy
Guest
Terrible decision. What happens if the Cats are 2 points of a finals spot at the end of the season? Will they have to play a Tuesday night game then against the Crows and back up with an elimination final a few days later?? Theres a reason they say ''the show must go on''. It would have been a great tribute to Phil Walsh to play the game in Adelaide in his honour this weekend. As its another 2 weeks before they are at home. Crazy decision.
Don Freo
Guest
I'm certain it will be a real factor in the last few rounds of the season. Nonetheless, it was a very balanced and wise call. Nothing seems "right" when this kind of stuff happens.
c
Guest
a prominent coach killed by his adult son i think not
BigAl
Guest
I would have said that the game should have been played, but I can see where the AFL are coming from here. When tragedies like this occur, and I would include the horrific Phil Hughes death in this, too much public grieving is never enough.
Josh
Expert
I don't think either of them could care less at this point.
SM
Guest
I feels awful and callous even mentioning it, but I agree with your second point. Rescheduling would have been best sporting option, although it's completely understandable that that isn't the priority at the minute.
At work
Roar Rookie
I think it's a great call to call off the game this weekend and not be a slave to the TV networks. Although I very much disagree with sharing the points, why can't they just play a mid week game later on?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I don't think there is a right or wrong decision here. It's a **** moment for everyone involved and I think 2-points is a reasonably outcome considering the situation.
Gyfox
Guest
Am wondering if a similar situation has occurred in other top-level sporting competitions?
Freddy from Bondi
Guest
Who cares! More important things to worry about. Split the points, let the club grieve. Not everything is about a sporting match...
joe b
Guest
I had tried to update my comment to add that Adelaide play Port the week after that, again, two clubs that Walsh has strong history with. At least Adelaide face 2 clubs that have great respect for Walsh, and empathy for the players (I am sure all clubs do, but that common bond might make it a bit easier for the Adelaide players).
13th Man
Guest
yes that was the best way i thought, however being at skilled stadium would've made it hard for the crows.
13th Man
Guest
yep maybe a Phil Walsh memorial match on the cards there.
TomC
Roar Guru
That would be very unfair on the Crows, when that game is played at Kardinia Park, and also not very fair on any team competing for a spot on the ladder with Geelong at the end of the year. This is the least bad option.
Jakarta Fan
Roar Rookie
2 points each is a bad decision. Could have serious ramifications at season's end. A team that would have made finals can miss out or if Adelaide and Geelong finished 9th and 10th, one would miss the 8 because of not getting the 2 points. Other teams could miss out as Geelong and Adelaide could take 7th and 8th and the team finishing 9th gets locked out because of this decision. A fairer decision would have been to award no points for this game but 8 for the final H&A game. Would have made a fantastic climax to the season and could have been called the Phil Walsh Tribute game.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I was wondering how they were going to handle a pretty difficult situation. Correct call I think.
Brian
Guest
Port played last night. I think cancelling the round would be too much. Players consistently play following death of loved family members. I think McVeigh missed 1 game after losing his daughter, the biggest personal tragedy you can have. 2 points each is right.
Bill
Guest
No it isn't. Tragic what happened. But people die every day.
Swampy
Guest
Gillon certainly has been handed quite the three-headed monster to care for. Cancel the round. No doubt that will create all sorts of issues but it's the right thing to do.
joe b
Guest
Good call by the AFL, a very big ask for the players of both Adelaide and Geelong to front up 2 days after the shock. I just noticed that West Coast, where Phil Walsh was an assistant coach 2009-2013, will be hosting Adelaide next weekend. All players would be wearing black armbands I imagine, quite fitting his two most recent charges go head to head.