Even in the afterglow of premiership glory, Erin Phillips was steeling herself for a light-hearted family barb.
The skilled Adelaide midfielder admitted she has a way to go to catch the record of father Greg, who won eight flags with SANFL club Port Adelaide.
"He hasn't reminded me yet, but I'm sure he'll tell me 'seven to go'. It's really special to share with Dad. He was pretty emotional and so was I," Phillips said on winning the medal as the best player in the NAB AFL Women's Grand Final.
"It has just been amazing, I can't really describe it, and sharing it with my new family is pretty special," she said after sharing the win with her baby twins.
Greg Phillips played 343 games with Port Adelaide in the SANFL and 84 games for Collingwood. He preached the love of football to his daughter who had to pursue the sport as a two-time Olympic basketballer and with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA until the AFLW started this year.
"I feel like I've never really been away from the game," Erin said.
"I lived it through my dad and brother-in-law Shaun (Burgoyne). Even when I'm overseas I'll be streaming it the weirdest ways possible, just to watch footy in the freezing cold of my apartment in Poland.
"I was never that far away from the game. I feel like I've played so many games in my mind, dreaming about it. I've loved it since I could walk and talk, ask my Dad 'kick the footy, kick the footy'. I'd never let him sit down."
Phillips had 28 possessions in a dominant midfield role and also kicked two crucial goals in the third quarter to set up what would be a match-winning lead for the Crows.
"It (the best afield award) is special, but someone's got to kick to you, someone gives you the ball, so this is just an extension of the team. I'd much rather have the cup, but it is special," she said.
Phillips, who turns 32 next month, is thankful the AFL brought forward the introduction of the national women's competition.
"This league might not have started for another two or three years and it may have passed my sporting lifetime," she said.
"I've had so much fun. I've met so many past players – Bec (coach Bec Goddard) could have quite easily played the game – and reminding yourself you're so lucky to be part of this competition and so lucky it didn't pass me by.
"It's definitely really special, right up there. It feels like world championship gold. Just the love and support from the community, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the football club, it's just amazing.
"I've never been part of something so big. It's pretty special. I'll come down to earth after a beer and a few nights of sleep."
