You don't survive 30-odd years in the AFL without being a bloody good bloke, Adelaide Crows boss Rob Chapman says.
And that's how his fallen coach Phil Walsh was remembered across a sporting landscape shocked at his killing.
"He was a coach of a football club that you want," a visibly-distraught Chapman told reporters in Adelaide.
"He's a coach, he's a leader of men. Unambiguous, straight up-and-down, clear messaging, inspiring.
"Genuinely cared - that is probably why he had the longevity in our system. In the football community he has had 30 years, not a lot of people do that unless you're genuine, care and you're good at your craft."
The death of Walsh, whose son has been charged with his murder, stunned the AFL fraternity with officials, fellow coaches and players honouring the 55-year-old.
The mourning went coast to coast: the self-confessed bogan from Hamilton, Victoria, spent stints at seven AFL clubs over 32 years as a player and coach.
AFL identities described Walsh as the complete footy person, a servant to the game.
"There are not many words of comfort today to those who feel this terrible loss," AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said.
Hundreds of players including Adelaide captain Taylor Walker and star Patrick Dangerfield posted social media tributes.
"You have left a foot print on my life, I fell in love with you as a bloke and I'll forever think of you Phil!! Love you Walshman.... RIP" posted Walker.
Dangerfield posted, in part: "Words cannot express the sorrow ... I feel blessed to have known Phil Walsh and I am a better person because of him."
And players who played under him while he was an assistant coach at Port Adelaide were also grieving.
"Heart broken. My mentor and my mate #RIPWalshy" premiership-winning Port midfielder Domenic Cassisi tweeted.
Retired Port star Kane Cornes tweeted: "Rest easy 'great man' thank you for everything you did for me and my family. Love you mate."
AFL fans across Australia were encouraged by one social media campaign to put their team scarves outside the front of their homes, in the same vein as the #PutYourBatsOut gesture that swept across the world following the death of cricketer Phillip Hughes last November.
Sportspeople from other codes, including Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann and captain Darren Lehmann, and rugby league and union players, also paid tribute on social media.
South Australia's political leaders issued statements of condolence while Prime Minister Tony Abbott was in Hamilton, where Walsh grew up.
"There is a pall over Hamilton, there is a pall over AFL more generally," he said.
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