Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh has been stabbed to death and police say his son will be charged with murder.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Walsh's house in Bungey Avenue at Somerton Park in the early hours because of reports of a domestic dispute.

Paramedics treated Walsh, 55, at the house but he died at the scene from multiple stab wounds.

Officers searched the area for his son, 26, and detained him a short time later in First Avenue at Glenelg East.

A mind for midfield


Phil Walsh's death will be felt across the AFL after his coaching stints left lasting impressions at Port Adelaide and the West Coast Eagles.
I don't think it's reasonable to ask them, from learning this news on Friday morning through to Sunday, to even think about football.
Gerard Whateley, ABC commentator
Police said he was taken to Flinders Medical Centre for a psychological assessment.

Walsh's wife Meredith was taken to hospital to be treated for a leg injury.

SA Police Superintendent Des Bray said police were called to the home shortly after 2:00am.

"I can't tell you anything about the argument or the circumstances of that, but as a result of that both Mr Walsh and his wife received the wounds and the wounds ultimately caused Mr Walsh's death," he told reporters.

Superintendent Bray said a knife was found at the scene, but did not say what sort.

"As you would appreciate, the investigation is in its infancy," he said.

"We can't speak to the son at this stage and obviously [the] wife is receiving treatment so as the investigation unfolds, I'm sure we'll find out exactly what happened."

Superintendent Bray said no-one else was at the property at the time.

Crows players are gathering at the club's headquarters at West Lakes. They are scheduled to play Geelong on Sunday afternoon.