THAT’S HOW YOU DO MINUTE’S SILENCE: Fans’ perfect tribute
AFL fans paid Phil Walsh the highest honour tonight, with a tribute so hushed, so respectful that “you could hear a pin drop”.
The AFL community has been rocked by a wave of emotion today after news of the tragic death of Adelaide Crows coach.
In what has been described as one of the toughest days in the history of the AFL, an overwhelming show of support has been directed towards the Adelaide Football Club, which now faces the challenge of dealing with the remainder of the season without its head coach.
Hawthorn and Collingwood drew the difficult task of playing in the first match since the 55-year-old’s death and seized the opportunity to show the ultimate sign of respect.
In a packed MCG, you could have heard a pin drop on the grass during the pre-game minute’s silence tribute.
Players stood arm-in-arm in the middle of the field, some with very heavy heads as they remembered a man who had been involved in nearly half of the nation’s football clubs throughout his 32-year playing and coaching career.
Not a single crowd member remained seated during the tribute, as fans recognised the generous impact Walsh had on the football community — the eerie silence a sign of their sincere condolences.
“You could hear a pin drop, so respectful,” commentator Bruce McAvaney said.
The moment was a stark contrast to the performance put in by rugby league crowds a few Wednesdays ago, but the less said about that the better.
However, the NRL also showed their support for Walsh’s family and the AFL community with a minute’s silence prior to the Round 17 opener between the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Thankfully, respect was shown when it was needed most.
