A year ago we tragically lost Phil Walsh, our Senior Coach and a passionate football man who left an imprint on our Club which will be forever remembered. Walshy led our team in just 12 premiership season matches but his much talked about principles of team-first, elite standards, hard work and attention to detail, remain foundation elements of the journey we are on today.
All of that seems trivial when compared to the ongoing grief endured by many, none more so than that of Phil's wife Meredith, their family and close friends. Our thoughts and ongoing support are focused on them now and will continue to be in the weeks, months and years ahead.
It's at times like these you take a moment to pause and reflect, and I will never forget the wave of support that was provided to the Walsh family and our Club from across the nation when it was most needed. The football community, and in particular the Crows family came together - Board, staff, coaches, players, corporate partners, members and supporters - and while the pain and grief was immense, we emerged galvanized, determined and with a clear focus of where we want to head.
Walshy was highly regarded for his football knowledge and tactical smarts but it was his leadership qualities which shone from the moment he walked through the doors at West Lakes. He was direct, focused, passionate, engaged and determined. All qualities you want to see in a leader.
He was also humble and that quality, coupled most importantly with Meredith’s wishes, has influenced our respectful and under-stated lead-up to this anniversary. Much has been written and said over the past 12 months and with this in mind we felt it was appropriate to create a permanent reminder of Walshy and his contribution to the game he so dearly loved.
We have dedicated a tree on the north eastern outskirts of Adelaide Oval and in the process created a place where Crows fans and the wider football community can pay their respects for years to come. Spread around the roots of the red oak is mulch created from thousands of floral tributes left outside the Club. There is also a bronze plaque which carries a reference to Walshy's passion for Japanese culture and a translated phrase he often referenced, 'To Endure With Strength'.
Our Club is now fortunate to have another tremendous leader and a man of great integrity in Don Pyke. He has brought his own outlook and a football intellect matched by few, and is inspiring and driving everyone to take our football program to another level, as we push towards being League leading. Your Club is in very good hands.
Like me, I am sure you can recall Walshy often talking about ‘getting the job done’ and that is what the boys will by trying to do against Melbourne this afternoon. At times like these, we really do fly as one!
Cheers, Fages.
