Gold Coast Suns pay tribute to student Sophie Wang following the tragic death and heartbreaking scenes at the vigil for the 10-year-old

The Gold Coast Suns have paid tribute to schoolgirl Sophia Wang after the 10-year-old was found dead in her Emerald Lakes home on Thursday.

The packed crowd at People First Stadium observed a minute's silence for Wang ahead of the crucial clash between the Suns and Melbourne Demons, with a place in the AFL finals potentially at stake.

The Suns players also wore black armbands at the clash and shared a photo with the caption “For Sophie” on social media.

Earlier on Friday at dusk on the Gold Coast, hundreds of mourners bowed their heads at a candlelight vigil to remember the ten-year-old.

Spectators at the AFL clash between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons paid tribute to Sophie Wang before their clash at People First Stadium.

The normally quiet community of Emerald Lakes is in shock after Sophie was found dead in her home on Tuesday evening. She was allegedly killed by her mother.

Students from Sophie's school, Emmanuel College, sang the anthem at an hour-long candlelight vigil on Friday in a somber mood as locals tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Local resident Tamara Christensen told AAP the area was her “happy place”.

However, she said the community has been shaken since Sophie's father, Yun Wang, discovered his daughter's body in their home.

Sophie was pronounced dead at the scene of the “incredible confrontation” and her 46-year-old mother, Yingying Xu, was later charged with murder.

“I was devastated, I felt sick,” Ms Christensen said of her reaction to the news.

“The last few days have just felt sad and scary.”

“How could this happen? I just felt like I should come here and show my respect.”

The 10-year-old student was found dead by her father in her home in Emerald Lakes on Thursday.

Emerald Lakes residents comfort each other at a vigil for Sophie Wang held Friday

Thousands attended a candlelight vigil for Sophie Wang and paid tribute to her long after the vigil ended.

During the vigil, a picture of Sophie was placed next to a fountain and people took turns placing candles around it.

Before the principal of Sophie's school addressed the crowd, a minute's silence was held.

“This is a testament to the strength of our community,” said Dan Brown.

“Thank you all for being here to honor Sophie.”

Amazing Grace was followed by prayer at the gathering, which was also attended by local state member Meaghan Scanlon, Queensland Police and AFL players from the Gold Coast Suns.

The vigil took place hours after an emotional service at Emmanuel College, amid a public expression of mourning for the fifth-grader.