AFLW co-captain Erin Phillips says she’d like to play at least another three seasons after re-upping her commitment to the Crows.
On Monday, Phillips signaled her intent to sign on with the Club when the official re-contracting period opens.
The inaugural AFLW Best and Fairest and Crows Women’s Club Champion remained one of the most dangerous players in the competition this year despite carrying a quad injury, which kept her sidelined for the opening two rounds.
Phillips, who is about to return to the US in her role as an assistant coach with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, was confident she could get on top of the niggling injury ahead of the 2019 AFLW season.
“I definitely still feel I’ve got plenty of football left in me. I’ve got to at least have one season with no injuries, right?” she said with a laugh.
“My goal is at least three more (seasons) and then see what happens after that. I’d love to just play football as long as I can.
“Obviously, having retired from basketball I know that there’s no going back. This will be my final retirement, if you like, when I do quit football.
“I want to be completely done, so I’ll play as long as I can.”
Phillips’ commitment to Adelaide follows speculation she was being courted by Victorian-based clubs, namely Collingwood where her father Greg played 84 VFL games.
The 32-year-old admitted there had been interest elsewhere, but said neither her nor her management had spoken to the Magpies about a potential move.
“Rumours are good fun sometimes,” she said.
“It (the rival interest) is flattering, but I’m happy here. I’m happy at home with my kids and family, and my mum and dad and my sisters and their kids here.
“I’m just really happy to be staying.”
The Crows are seeking a new coach for 2019 following the departure of inaugural premiership coach, Bec Goddard. Goddard has returned to Canberra to continue her role with the Australian Federal Police.
Phillips said media speculation Goddard had left the Club as a result of player ‘unrest’ was also untrue.
“Probably the most disappointing thing to come out of this whole departure with Bec is that it’s just not true,” she said.
“I personally have a great relationship with Bec and I know the girls absolutely love her.
“It was just unfortunate that things didn’t work out, but we wish her all the best. It’s going to be strange without Goddard around. We’ll all miss her but we understand her position and where she sits.
“We’re confident that whoever comes in to the role can basically continue to do what she’s done for us.
“There’s only going to be one inaugural premiership coach in history and it’s going to be Rebecca Goddard, and that’s a pretty good title to have.”
The League is yet to determine details, including the length of the season, around AFLW 2019.
Phillips was hopeful the introduction of two new teams, Geelong and North Melbourne, would lead to a longer season and extra week of finals.
“All of us would love to play more football, we love it,” she said.
“If we play more games, it’s only going to make us better, our skills better and the competition better.”
Phillips, wife Tracy and twins Blake and Brooklyn leave for Texas on Wednesday.
The two-time Olympian and WNBA Champion will complete an off season training program on soccer fields or NFL pitches across the US while she enhances her coaching credentials with the Wings.
She will return to Adelaide for pre-season training around November.
“I like to chase the summers around, so I’ll come back when it starts to warm up!”
