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THE SON of Adelaide coach Phil Walsh has appeared at a bedside court hearing in a psychiatric ward, charged with stabbing his father to death.

Cy Jacob Walsh, 26, entered no plea after being charged with murdering his father in a killing that has stunned Australia's sporting community.

The AFL abandoned the Crows' game against Geelong on Sunday, the club called the tragedy an unprecedented crisis and a family has been torn apart.

Walsh's wife Meredith was also in Flinders Medical Centre - her husband dead, her son charged with murder, her daughter returning from overseas, and herself suffering leg injuries.

Police believe Cy argued with his father around 2am on Friday at their beachside suburban Adelaide home.

"I can't tell you anything about the argument or the circumstances but as a result of that both Mr Walsh and his wife received the wounds," Superintendent Des Bray told reporters in Adelaide.

Walsh, 55, died from multiple stab wounds at the scene despite attempts by ambulance officers to revive him.

His son was arrested after police were called to a domestic dispute at the home in Somerton Park at 2am ACST on Friday.

Supt Bray said the domestic incident was a tragedy.

"For any family, regardless of who it is, is one of the worst things that you could imagine that could happen to you," he said.

"The only thing that is different with this is that he has a high profile. The pain and suffering of the family is no different."



AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said Walsh's death was a tragic loss.

"Our industry is grieving today, and we send our love and support to the Walsh family, the Crows staff and players, Phil's wider circle of friends, the other clubs he worked with, and his many colleagues across the AFL," he said.

"Phil Walsh was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and his death is a tragic loss."

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