West Coast Eagles chief praises Phil Walsh as one of game’s ‘greater strategists’

West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett has paid tribute to slain Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, calling him an "unbelievable footy man".

Walsh, 55, was found stabbed to death in his Adelaide beachfront home this morning.

His son Cy Walsh, 26, has been charged with his murder.

READ MORE: Son charged with murder of Adelaide Crows coach

Fans pay tribute to Phil Walsh online with #weflyasone

Near-death experience inspired Walsh to pursue coaching dreams

Walsh worked as an assistant coach at the West Coast Eagles for five years, from 2009-14.

Mr Nisbett said the players, staff and officials at the West Coast Eagles were "shocked and devastated".

"We're a bit numb this morning and obviously (it's) very sad news and our condolences go out to Meredith and all their loved ones because it's just a tragic incident and something that's very hard to understand and comprehend," he said.

"Phil was a real football guy, an unbelievable footy man really."

He said Walsh would be remembered as a man dedicated to his beloved game and one of the sport's "greater strategists".

While the AFL has not yet made a decision on whether to cancel games this weekend, Mr Nisbett said the Eagles squad would steel itself to play as Walsh would have wanted.

"I'm not sure it's about doing it for Phil, I think Phil's attitude was 'the show's got to go on'," he said.

"We've got to get out there and play well and do our best and as a football man that's what he'd want us to do."