Tributes for Walsh continue as Tigers win
The tributes for Phil Walsh have continued to flow, with players from Richmond and Greater Western Sydney remembering the fallen Adelaide coach at the MCG.
Like Friday’s clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood, there were no banners or club songs played in the match that the Tigers won by nine points.
All players, officials and umpires wore black armbands in remembrance of the 55-year-old who was fatally stabbed to death yesterday. His son, Cy, has been charged with murder.
• Adelaide Crows coach killed, son charged
• MCG silent as Walsh mourned
• Cy Walsh moved to mental hospital
• Crows skipper pays moving tribute to Walsh
And in a repeat of the powerful scene at the end of Friday’s match, players from both sides linked arms in a circle on the middle of the MCG once the game ended.
The players – and the crowd – then fell silent as heads were bowed.
Eerie, moving scenes at the MCG. Well done @Richmond_FC and @GWSGIANTS – class act. #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/L5JiOUsEDZ
— FOX FOOTY LIVE (@FOXFootyLive) July 4, 2015
Fans broke into applause after the tribute and it is expected that the scene will be replicated across all remaining Round 14 matches.
In the match, played in wet conditions, Richmond ground their way to a gritty win on the back of a five-goal final quarter.
The Giants – led by Dylan Shiel (25 disposals) and Rhys Palmer (three goals) – worked hard and deserved their 15-point lead at the final change.
But Richmond kicked 5.6 to 2.0 in the final term as the likes of Trent Cotchin (33 disposals, two goals) and Bachar Houli (32 disposals) stepped up.
Shane Edwards kicked the sealer in the last minute for the Tigers, who have now won six of their last seven matches.