The AFL has cancelled Sunday’s match between Adelaide and Geelong as a mark of respect to Crows senior coach Phil Walsh who died earlier today.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan made the announcement a short time ago.
He said he had been in discussions with all club CEOs and presidents today before making the decision to cancel the Adelaide Oval match.
“This is a decision of the competition as a mark of respect to Phil Walsh,” McLachlan said.
The points will be split between Adelaide and Geelong, in line with AFL rules.
He said the remainder of the games in the round would go ahead from tonight.
“We know that the usual fun and passion of our game will not be there,” he said, adding that the football community would gather together in a respectful fashion.
The Crows welcomed the decision.
Crows chairman Rob Chapman said football was secondary at this difficult time, and thanked Geelong for their “understanding and support” of the decision.
“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.”
The SANFL has postponed weekend matches involving the Adelaide and Port Adelaide state league sides.
In a statement, the SANFL said the postponement had been requested by the two AFL clubs.
The South Adelaide v Adelaide match scheduled for Hickinbotham Oval, and the North Adelaide v Port Adelaide, set for Prospect Oval, will be rescheduled for the Round 17 split round.
“All players in tomorrow’s three other SANFL matches will wear black armbands, as will all players taking part in the MAC Country Championships being held this weekend at Port Augusta,” the SANFL said.
A minute’s silence will be observed at all matches.
Some of the tributes to Phil Walsh at the Crows’ West Lakes headquarters. AAP image
