Phil Walsh, the head coach of Australian rules football team Adelaide Football Club, was found dead in his home last week after succumbing to multiple knife wounds. His wife was also attacked but sustained non life-threatening injuries. The 55-year-old’s son has been taken into custody in relation to the crime.
Adelaide canceled their next game in the wake of the news, but on Sunday, nearly 20,000 fans from all corners came to the stadium to honor their fallen coach in a touching tribute.
The siren sounded at 2.50pm ACST, as it would to start the match. Fans hugged and cried. After a minute’s silence the sound went again and they clapped, cheered and yelled: “Carn Crows!”
Indeed unforgettable, but that was Phil Walsh, forever in football’s heart.
When the gates opened at 2.30pm, the supporters linked in arms – like players involved in every AFL game this weekend – around the boundary line and beyond, and stared at the simple words on the heritage scoreboard: Vale Phil Walsh 1960-2015.
Of course, reality then began to sink in, and tears flowed freely – fans from all clubs cried as one.
Many had walked in silence from North Terrace, across the bridge to the oval, and hugged supporters from all clubs. Like the AFL players who formed tribute circles of respect, this brought out the best in football.
(Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
(Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
(Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
