Game day activities planned for Round 14 have been altered as a mark of respect following the death of Adelaide coach Phil Walsh.
Several pre and post-game activities planned for the Gold Coast SUNS against North Melbourne have been cancelled following Friday’s tragedy.
Whilst Family Day activities will proceed in the plaza areas, our Gold Coast SUNS Game Day TV will be a reduced production as outlined below.
- A moment’s silence will be held before the bounce out of respect to Walsh.
- There will be no team entry song, 60-seconds to bounce countdown, Game Day TV host segments, guard of honour for the players, team banner or post goal celebration.
- There will be no team song played or sung after the game.
- Post-match Kick to Kick will still go ahead.
These changes have been endorsed by the AFL and chief executive Gillon McLachlan, who said the football community was mourning the loss of Walsh, who was involved with seven clubs during his playing and coaching career.
“The sorrow and distress felt today touches many in our industry because Phil Walsh gave such a lot to our game,” McLachlan said.
“We know that the usual fun and passion of our game will not be there, but we also know that our clubs, members and supporters will gather in a spirit of respectful mourning, and in support for the family and friends of a great football man, who is loved by so many.”
McLachlan said he had spoken with industry stakeholders, briefed chief executives, presidents and the AFL Commission.
“We have decided that the game on Sunday between Geelong and Adelaide will not go ahead,” he said.
“This is a decision of the competition, as a mark of respect to Phil Walsh.
“This decision has the support of the clubs and the Players Association.”
