Adelaide would like to thank three-time premiership player Erin Phillips for her contribution to the Crows and women’s game following her decision to explore her options with an expansion club.
Phillips, who turns 37 next month, has been one of the driving forces of the Crows’ AFLW dominance, both on and off the field, since the competition began in 2017.
The two-time WNBA champion and Olympic silver medalist returned to South Australia to sign with Adelaide for its inaugural AFLW season.
Six seasons later, Phillips leaves the Crows having played 46 games and kicking 50 goals, and with a long list of achievements.
These include three Premierships, two League best and fairest awards, two Grand Final best on ground medals and two AFLW Players' Most Valuable Player Awards.
Crows AFLW Head of Football Phil Harper described Phillips’ departure as disappointing, adding the Club had put forward an attractive proposition for her to stay.
“As a footballer, Erin has been the best player of her generation but equally she is a great person,” Harper said.
“Her contribution to our Club, as well as women’s football here in South Australia and nationally, has been significant and she has helped create a legacy from which many young girls and women will benefit.
“We wish Erin, her wife Tracy and their family all the best for the future and thank them for helping make our Club a better place.”
Phillips said it was a privilege to have been part of three Premierships and the most successful AFLW team to date.
“I am forever grateful to the Adelaide Football Club and the members and supporters for the opportunity to represent this amazing club for the past six years,” Phillips said.
“I want to thank my team mates, the staff and in particular Matthew Clarke, Phil Harper and Vicki Daldy, for the support they have provided me and my family.
“The lifelong friendships I have made is why this decision has been incredibly difficult but I leave knowing they will forever remain a special part of me, and I wish them nothing but the best for the future.”
Harper said a greater level of player movement was inevitable given the AFLW’s expansion to 18 teams.
“The growth of women’s football has been inspiring and our Club considers it a privilege to have been part of the journey,” Harper said.
“More players are going to get the opportunity to live out their dream and play at the elite level which can only be a good thing.
“In terms of player retention, history says having a strong and winning culture is as important as any factor and we have done all we possibly can.
“Given our depth of talent and knowing in advance that expansion teams would target our players, we have been working to a deliberate and well thought out list management strategy.
“Our Club is well placed for a period of sustained on-field success and we remain as committed as ever to doing all we can to promote and grow the women’s game, especially here in South Australia.”
