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Phil Walsh’s son charged with his murder

Jul 03, 2015
Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh has died of multiple stab wounds. Photo: Michael Errey/InDaily

Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh has died of multiple stab wounds. Photo: Michael Errey/InDaily

Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh has been stabbed to death in a killing that has stunned the sporting world.

The 55-year-old died from multiple stab wounds allegedly following an argument with his son, who has been charged with murder.

Walsh died inside his house in a beachside Adelaide suburb while his wife Meredith suffered a leg wound.

The son, 26, is in police custody in hospital where he will face a bedside court hearing later Friday, as the sporting fraternity reacts in shock at Walsh’s murder.

“The Adelaide Football Club is devastated at the sudden passing of senior coach Phil Walsh in the early hours of this morning,” the Crows said in a statement.

The club will hold a media conference later in the day, with Sunday’s scheduled AFL home game against Geelong in doubt.

Stunned Crows players converged at their West Lakes headquarters after being told the news at 7am.

The AFL is yet to publicly react to the murder which South Australian Police said happened at the Walsh family home at Somerton Park about 2am Friday.

Cy Walsh. Source: couchsurfing.com

Cy Walsh. Source: couchsurfing.com

Walsh and his son argued, Superintendent Des Bray said.

“I can’t tell you anything about the argument or the circumstances, but as a result of that both Mr Walsh and his wife received the wounds,” Supt Bray said.

The son, who lived his parents at the Bungey Avenue home, fled and was found by police soon after at a house in neighbouring Glenelg East.

Supt Bray said Major Squad detectives were in charge of the case.

“As the investigation unfolds I’m sure we will find out exactly what happened, but at the moment … it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on what may or may not have happened,” he said.

“For any family, regardless of who it is, it’s one of the worst things that you could imagine that could happen to you.

“The only thing that is different with this is that he has a high profile. The pain and suffering of the family is no different.”

Neighbours of Walsh were shocked at the murder.

“It’s awful, it’s tragic for any family, no matter who you are,” a neighbour to the rear of the Walsh home said.

“It’s very distressing for the family,” her husband added.

The crime scene at Walsh's suburban Adelaide home.

The crime scene at Walsh’s suburban Adelaide home.

Many current and former AFL players also expressed dismay on social media at the death of Walsh, who in his first season as head coach of Adelaide.

Walsh had a distinguished 15-year career as an assistant coach, after playing 122 games for three clubs, Collingwood, Richmond and Brisbane.

Gold Coast Suns coach Rodney Eade, a teammate of Walsh at the Brisbane Bears, said he was “quite stunned”.

“We’ve all got issues in our lives, whether it be relationships or money or employment or whatever, it puts it in perspective when things like this happen,” Eade said.

 

Phil Walsh’s 32-year AFL career

* Made his VFL debut in 1983 with Collingwood

* Moved to Richmond in 1984 where he played for three seasons

* Finished his playing career at Brisbane, winning their inaugural Best and Fairest award in 1987

* Worked at Geelong as the strength and conditioning coach once he finished playing

* Became Port Adelaide assistant coach in 1999, including during their 2004 premiership

* Awarded the AFL Coaches Association Coach of the Year award in 2004

* Became West Coast assistant coach in 2009

* Returned to Port Adelaide to become assistant coach, specialising in midfield strategy

* Appointed senior coach at Adelaide for three years in October 2014.

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