Hawthorn won the Rd 14 encounter, but instead of the team song playing, everyone involved in the game gathered in the center square and paid their respects to Walsh, who was allegedly murdered by his son overnight.
There was an official moment's silence before the match, but the impromptu post-match show of respect was something rarely - if ever - seen on a footy field.
A truly beautiful moment at the end of the most troubling day. Football finds its place. Rather perfect #RIPPhilWalsh pic.twitter.com/PZVWLn1RNl
— Gerard Whateley (@GerardWhateley) July 3, 2015#weflyasone pic.twitter.com/Flc0PQ7oLS
— AFL (@AFL) July 3, 2015One reason why I love footy. No club song and complete silence from 75k crowd. #respect #AFLPiesHawks #RIPPhilWalsh pic.twitter.com/jv7GE8r5R2
— Richard Tuffin (@RichardTuffin) July 3, 2015
Wow just wow what an amazing end to the game #AFLPiesHawks what a tribute #RIPPhilWalsh
— Bec Greenwood (@BekstaGreeny) July 3, 2015
Magnificent display at the G #AFLPiesHawks
— Chris Lienert (@cliener) July 3, 2015
Don't know about anyone else but I'm fucken glad that game was played and not just for the footy. #AFLPiesHawks #RIPWalshy
— Fucken AFL (@fuckenAFL) July 3, 2015
Truly remarkable. What a gesture from both clubs to link arms in a circle. #AFLPiesHawks
— Alex Oates (@AlexJOates11) July 3, 2015
#aflpieshawks Outstanding mark of respect by both teams. Thank You @CollingwoodFC and @HawthornFC #RIPPhilWalsh #gocrows #weflyasone
— Craig A (@Mercury124) July 3, 2015
Amazing gesture by both @HawthornFC + @CollingwoodFC as a sign of respect for Phil Walsh. #AFLPiesHawks #RIPPhilWalsh pic.twitter.com/gYByEpdTa7
— Simon O'Neill (@simononeill87) July 3, 2015
Aw man that was beautiful. The guernsey you wear doesn't matter on a day like this. Onya Clarko! #AFLPiesHawks
— not a bilby (@TheTRyanosaurus) July 3, 2015
That was one of the most touching and emotional scenes I've ever seen on a football field. #RIPWalshy #AFLPiesHawks #respect #weflyasone
— Dan Stone (@danstonebass) July 3, 2015