The Adelaide Crows are heading back to work today with heavy hearts, following the shocking death of senior coach Phil Walsh on Friday, and the subsequent cancellation of the Crows Round 14 game against Geelong.
With heavy hearts, we’re back to work today. Trying to ‘get on with it’ just as Walshy would want #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/Pt3qKzwhbj
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 5, 2015
And with that, the club’s attentions turn to this coming weekend’s clash with West Coast on Saturday night – a game that suddenly takes on a whole new level of importance for the players, staff, and the club’s supporters.
“Nine months ago we set out on a journey with Phil Walsh at the helm. We are all determined to continue pushing down that path, guided by his values of elite standards, hard work, attention to detail and a team-first attitude.”
“Scott is well supported by David Teague, Darren Milburn and Matthew Clarke, and now John Worsfold adds further experience and insight.”
“John is a premiership coach who already has an understanding of our football program given he was briefly here on Walshy’s invitation earlier this year. We are thrilled that he has agreed to join our Club for the remainder of this season.”
Meanwhile, the Walsh Family has issued a statement through the club expressing their heartbreak following the loss of Phil, and their gratitude at the outpouring of emotion and sympathy from the AFL community.
“We wish to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness, sympathy and support during this most difficult time.
We take comfort in knowing that so many people are thinking of Phil, and us.”
“Phil loved and adored his family, just as much as we loved and adored him. He was a devoted father, husband, son and brother. He was a much loved uncle, brother-in-law and cousin, and a close friend, mentor and colleague to so many.
Our hearts are broken. How much we miss him is beyond measure.
Our lives will never be the same, now that Phil is gone. But we will forever love and cherish him.”
“Phil enriched our lives and the lives of so many, and for that we are eternally grateful.
We are searching for the strength and will to deal with the loss of Phil. In the arms of those we love we are coping as best we can.
We kindly request that our privacy be respected at this time so we can grieve as any family would wish to do in such circumstances.”
“Please continue to keep Phil and us in your thoughts and prayers.”
Vale, Walshy.
