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“We never forget what Phil Walsh did for us”

Two years on, Adelaide’s players are re-taking a pledge to honour their slain coach Phil Walsh.

Jul 03, 2017, updated Jul 03, 2017
Phil Walsh with the man he appointed captain, Tex Walker. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Phil Walsh with the man he appointed captain, Tex Walker. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Crows players will have a raw chat about Walsh today, who was killed two years ago by his son.

Adelaide defender Brodie Smith says the two-year anniversary is “an emotional day”.

“We never forget what he did for us in the short time he was here and how much he cared for all the players in this footy club,” Smith told reporters.

“He really set this group of players up to achieve something.

“And we will definitely continue to try and honour what he started here.

“No doubt there will be mention of it and we will get together and have a chat about it.”

Walsh, a long-time player and assistant coach, was in his first year as an AFL head coach with the Crows.

He was stabbed to death by his son, Cy, who was found not guilty of murder by mental incompetence.

Most of the current Crows squad played under Walsh, with Smith saying his legacy remained fresh.

“Just the care that he showed for the players,” he said.

“And just how much he wanted to win and how much he loved the game really rubbed off on us all.”

Walsh, who died aged 55, ushered a new era at Adelaide including the appointment of Taylor Walker as captain.

“He really started something in this group, a strong culture,” Smith said.

“That started with Tex being captain, and the way he has attacked that and took it in his stride.

“We all look up to him and take a lot from what Walshy left us.”

-AAP

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