The community is in mourning over the overnight death of Adelaide Crows senior coach Phil Walsh.

Here is a selection of reactions to Walsh’s death today.

Adelaide Football Club will address media this afternoon and has asked for media to “please respect the privacy of his family, as well as our players, coaches and staff, at this extremely difficult time”.

A Crows statement said: “The Adelaide Football Club is devastated at the sudden passing of Senior Coach Phil Walsh in the early hours of this morning.”

Port Adelaide Football Club says it is “deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Phil Walsh earlier today”.

“Phil was a pivotal member of the Port Adelaide coaching staff from 1999 to 2008, playing a key strategic role in the club’s 2004 Premiership campaign,” the Power said in a statement. Port Adelaide Chairman David Koch said Walsh had touched so many lives within the Port Adelaide family and that the entire club were in mourning at the news of his tragic death.

“The entire Port Adelaide Football Club is deeply shocked to hear of Phil’s passing and our deepest condolences go to his wife Meredith, family, friends and colleagues,” Koch said.

“Equally, our thoughts and prayers are with the players, coaches and staff of the Adelaide Football Club and all of Phil’s past clubs.

“Phil was a much loved friend of the Port Adelaide Football Club having played an instrumental role in our 2004 Premiership campaign and also as our midfield manager last season.

“Past and present players of Port Adelaide formed great friendships with Phil and supporting them through this most tragic time is our primary focus.”

The West Coast Eagles, where Walsh previously worked as an assistant coach, said the club was “stunned and shocked by the tragic death”.

“Phil was an assistant coach at the club for five years under John Worsfold and was an integral part of West Coast,” a statement read.

“He forged close relationships with a number of players and staff in that time, where his passion for the game and dedication to drive the club to the highest possible levels were so evident.”

CEO Trevor Nisbett said the club was “numbed” by the news.

“It was both surreal and devastating to wake up to the news of Phil’s death this morning and it is difficult to process,” he said.

“Phil made an outstanding contribution to our club and was an important part of the West Coast family.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Phil’s wife Meredith and to all those dear to him at this tragic time.”

From the AFL leaders

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan: “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. Phil Walsh was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and his death is a tragic loss. At this time, the AFL is working closely with the Adelaide Football Club on the support required to the staff and players of the Crows.”

AFL Coaches Association, CEO Mark Brayshaw and chairman John Worsfold: “Together with the AFL community, the coaching family is in shock at the news that one of our own has passed in this dreadful way. We offer our deepest condolences to Phil’s wife Meredith and his family. Phil was a Football Person in every sense of that phrase. He dedicated much of his life to playing and coaching. As a career coach, he realised his dream to become Senior Coach of an AFL Club in his mid-50’s. Now, his journey as Senior Coach of the Adelaide Football Club has ended abruptly and tragically. He was famous in our game for his insight and football nous. And he was extremely committed to his players.”

From political leaders

Premier Jay Weatherill: “The South Australian Government expresses deep sadness and offers its sincerest condolences over the passing of Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh. My thoughts are currently with Phil’s family, friends, as well as the players, officials and supporters of the Adelaide Football Club. These thoughts extend to everyone who has associated with Phil throughout his career, including his time at the Port Adelaide Football Club.”

Liberal leader Steven Marshall: “Phil’s tragic death has shocked and saddened not only South Australians, but the entire nation. Phil had a wonderful career as a player and coach and it is clear that he had a significant impact on the lives of many people. He was a distinguished leader and will be sadly missed by many. Our thoughts go out to Mr Walsh’s family, friends, colleagues and the players he coached.”

From the players and coaches

Former Hawthorn star and Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford: “Unbelievable and extremely sad news about the murder of Adelaide football coach Phil Walsh.”

Former Crows star Wayne Carey: “Thoughts are with everyone that Phil Walsh has touched on this very sad day.”

Former Port Adelaide premiership forward Warren Tredrea: “From a player that played under him he was a phenomenal person and phenomenal coach. Words can’t describe what the feelings are … the whole footy world is in shock.”

Former Adelaide great Mark Ricciuto, who helped bring Walsh to the club as coach from Port Adelaide: “I just thought he was going to be a super coach. If he spent the rest of his career as an assistant coach, he wouldn’t be fulfilling his talent … This isn’t about footy now. It’s just unbelievable.”

Gold Coast Suns coach and Walsh’s former Brisbane Bears teammate Rodney Eade: “He was very passionate about his footy. We’ve all got issues in our lives, whether it be relationships or money or employment or whatever, it puts it in perspective when things like this happen.”

Walsh’s former Hamilton Magpies teammate Gavan Bell: “I’m still not believing it’s happened but it obviously has.”

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson, who worked with Walsh at Port: “What a tragedy. A great man lost. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley: “So sad to hear of Phil Walsh’s death. No sense to it. We are all flesh and blood. Love each other. Thoughts with all family and friends.”

Former Hawthorn star Nick Holland: “Only last week Phil Walsh spoke about reconnecting with his son and finding a good work-life balance. Shocking news.”

Former Richmond player Nathan Brown: “He played for Collingwood, he played for Brisbane. He’s been at West Coast, he’s been at half the AFL clubs. This is going to touch so many people.”

Former North Melbourne and Swans player Wayne Schwass: “Cannot fathom the news, don’t want to believe it to be true. Sad sad day.”

Retired Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes: “Rest easy ‘great man’ thank you for everything you did for me and my family. Love you mate.”

– with AAP