The AFL will abandon this weekend's clash with the Crows and Geelong out of respect for coach Phil Walsh.

Some South Australian National Football League games have also been postponed. 

Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh died after a domestic dispute at his home. His 26-year-old son was arrested earlier on Friday morning and was later charged with murder.

AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan said the cancellation was a decision of the competition, as a mark of respect to Phil Walsh.

“And it is our decision, because, while playing footy can be part of the grieving process, we are strongly of the view that is it not fair to ask the young men at the Adelaide Crows, or the Geelong Cats to play in these circumstances," he said.

“This decision has the support of the clubs and the Players Association. The premiership points will be split between the two clubs, as per the AFL rules. 

“We know that this decision impacts on a lot of people, including supporters and fans, including those who may have travelled or intend to travel. 

“We are working closely with all our partners on these issues, and the AFL and Club websites will keep members and supporters updated on arrangements.” 

The club's chairman, Rob Chapman, said their single focus had been the welfare of the Walsh family, their players, coaches and staff.

"Through these difficult days, the Adelaide Football Club family will stick together and support each other unconditionally," he said.

Champion full forward Tony Modra, a member of the club's hall of fame, said Walsh's death was a massive loss for the family and for football in general.

"The Crows fans will miss him, as he made a big impact in such a short time," Modra said.

"Being involved with Port, as well as Adelaide, he had gained so much respect from all South Australian football followers.

"The AFL has lost a genuine football person."  

A statement from South Australian police, released at 7.16am said:

"Police can confirm that the man murdered at Somerton Park in the early hours of the morning is Phil Walsh, coach of the Adelaide Crows.

"Just after 2am, Police and ambulance crews were called to a house in Bungey Avenue after a domestic dispute.

"Ambulance crews treated a seriously injured 55-year-old man at the home but sadly he died at the scene. The man's son, aged 26, has been arrested but no charge has yet been laid.

"The deceased's wife sustained non life threatening injuries during the incident and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

"Sturt CIB and Major Crime Detectives remain at the scene and investigations continue."

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE:

PHIL WALSH 

Mr Walsh played 122 games in the AFL for Collingwood, Richmond and Brisbane.

He was strength and conditioning at Geelong, before he moved to Port Adelaide as an assistant in 1999 and was there when they claimed their first AFL premiership in 2004.

In 2009 he moved to West Coast before moving back to Adelaide to rejoin the Power last year.

He took over as Adelaide coach after Brenton Sanderson's sacking.

Interview with FoxFooty earlier this year:

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