Photo: aflphotos.com.au
Respected coaching figure Phil Walsh spent several seasons as an assistant coach at West Coast before returning to South Australia, where he became the head coach of Adelaide for the 2015 season. Tragically, he was killed during his first season in charge after an apparent domestic dispute, with his 26-year-old son charged with his murder.
Playing career[]
Originally from South Australia, Walsh made his VFL debut for Collingwood in 1983. After playing every game that season, he switched to Richmond where he played 40 games in three seasons. The wingman was then an inaugural member of the Brisbane Bears squad and the inaugural winner of their best and fairest. Walsh played 60 games for the Bears before retiring at the end of the 1990 season.
Coaching career[]
After starting his coaching career as Geelong's strength and conditioning coach, Walsh moved to Port Adelaide where he was an assistant for their 2004 premiership. In 2009 he was poached by West Coast to join John Worsfold's panel as an assistant in charge of strategy and innovation. After five seasons at the Eagles he returned to Port Adelaide for the 2014 season, in charge of the Power midfield. Seemingly a career assistant, he was a surprise choice as the Crows' head coach ahead of the 2015 season. Walsh proved a popular coach and was lauded in the media for bringing a refreshingly honest attitude to his public appearances.
Death and legacy[]
On 3 July 2015, just days before the Crows were due to play Geelong in a home fixture, Walsh was killed in his home. He was 55. The game was called off amid a massive outpouring of grief across the football world.