The Collingwood Football Club joins the football community in mourning the passing of Adelaide coach and one-time Magpie Phil Walsh.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said Walsh's death is a tragic loss.

"Our industry is grieving today, and we send our love and support to the Walsh family, the Crows staff and players, Phil's wider circle of friends, the other clubs he worked with, and his many colleagues across the AFL," he said.

"Phil Walsh was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and his death is a tragic loss."

On behalf of its players, coaches, staff, members and supporters, the club's thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Walsh's loved ones.

Phillip Walsh's season at Victoria Park

Walsh spent one year at Victoria Park, but ensured he did not waste his opportunity to leave an impression on the Black and White stripes.

The 839th player to represent Collingwood, Walsh enjoyed a sensational first year in the VFL after moving from Hamilton and his dashing, elegant play on the wing earned him the Harry Collier Trophy as Collingwood's Best First Year Player.

Walsh also collected the J.J. Joyce Trophy after finishing third in the E.W. Copeland Trophy (the club's best-and-fairest).

The club was stunned when he sought a clearance to Richmond and after three days in court Collingwood agreed to clear him and John Annear, in March 1984.

Walsh landed at a third club, the Bears, a couple of years later. He won the club’s best and fairest award in his first year and gave good service before injury led to his retirement in 1991.

After a successful career as an assistant at several clubs, Walsh was appointed senior coach at Adelaide on 7 October 2014.

Learn more about Walsh's career and his teammates from the 1983 season here.




Phil Walsh in full flight during season 1983. Photo supplied by Collingwood historian Michael Roberts.