SYDNEY - The coach of the Australian Football League's Adelaide Crows was stabbed to death in his home on Friday in a bloody domestic dispute that also saw his wife hospitalised and his son arrested.
AFL is hugely popular in Australia, with 18 teams from around the country competing in the top tier
Australia's sporting community was left reeling over the death of Phil Walsh, 55, who turned to coaching after a long playing career in the game, commonly known as Aussie Rules.
Walsh was treated at the scene by paramedics after police were called to his home in the Adelaide suburb of Somerton Park in the early hours of the morning but were unable to save him.
"Police can confirm that the man murdered at Somerton Park in the early hours of the morning is Phil Walsh, coach of the Adelaide Crows," police said in a statement.
"Ambulance crews treated a seriously injured 55-year-old man at the home but sadly he died at the scene. The man's son, aged 26, has been arrested."
Walsh's wife is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Superintendent Des Bray told reporters outside the home that there had been an argument.
"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," Bray said, adding that a knife was used and had been found.
He said the son, who lived at the home, was discovered a short time after police arrived and "arrested for murder and detained for a psychiatric assessment" although no charges have yet been laid.
Asked what injuries Walsh received, Bray said: "Multiple stab wounds."
- 'Extremely difficult time' -
The Crows were scheduled to play Geelong on Sunday afternoon, but it is not clear whether the match will now take place.
"The Adelaide Football Club is devastated at the sudden passing of senior coach Phil Walsh in the early hours of this morning," the club said in a short statement, adding that it was "an extremely difficult time".
AFL is hugely popular in Australia, with 18 teams from around the country competing in the top tier. First launched in 1897, it is one of the nation's best-attended sports.
Walsh played 122 games for Collingwood, Richmond and the Brisbane Bears between 1983 and 1990 before turning to coaching and his death has reverberated through the game.
"I'm shocked," said Nathan Brown, former Richmond player and Nine Network commentator.
"He played for Collingwood, he played for Brisbane. He's been at West Coast, he's been at half the AFL clubs. This is going to touch so many people."
The AFL Players' Association released a statement expressing its sympathy.
"On behalf of all members, the AFL Players' Association offers its most deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Adelaide coach Phil Walsh," it said.
Social media also lit up with tributes and tweets for the popular Walsh.
"What a tragedy. A great man lost. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. #RIPPhilWalsh," tweeted St Kilda coach Alan Richardson.
Melbourne captain Nathan Jones added: "In complete shock. Absolutely devastating news," while Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge said: "Terrible news to wake up to. My thoughts are with the Walsh family, friends and everyone involved."