AFLW Best and Fairest and Club Champion Erin Phillips has re-committed to the Crows for Season 2018.
After a 17-year absence from football, Phillips made a remarkable return to the game in the inaugural season of the AFL Women’s competition.
As well as taking out the highest individual honour at Club and League level, the 32-year-old was voted as the Players Association’s Most Valuable Player.
She was selected in the first-ever women’s All-Australian team and judged best afield in her side’s historic Grand Final win over the Brisbane Lions.
The Crows co-captain also won Goal of the Year and was nominated for Mark of the Year.
Phillips has made a commitment which will see her line-up for the Crows, while also undertaking off-field marketing and commercial activities to promote the game for the Club and League.
Also a celebrated international basketballer, Phillips recently announced her retirement from playing in the WNBA after nine years and two titles. The two-time Olympian has claimed a world championship gold medal and an Olympic silver medal with the Australian Opals.
She will remain with the Dallas Wings in a new role as Director of Player and Franchise Development.
Phillips said she was thrilled to be able to re-commit to the Crows to continue her career in football.
“Last season was truly a dream come true, so to be able to stay at Adelaide is fantastic. I really couldn’t imagine playing with any other team,” Phillips said.
“Having grown up in a sporting family watching Dad play football, it’s definitely always been something I wanted to do, so I was extremely grateful to have that opportunity and I can’t wait to pull the boots on again.
“With my retirement from playing in the WNBA, I’m looking forward to giving my body a rest and spending time with my family in Dallas before returning to Australia refreshed and ready to take on the second season of the AFLW.
“Right from the outset, I was blown away by how professional and committed the Crows are to women’s football.
“It’s a really positive environment at the Club with a great playing group and that’s certainly something I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of.”
Crows CEO Andrew Fagan said Phillips’ re-signing was a huge coup for the Club and wider competition.
“We are delighted to have Erin re-sign with us,” Fagan said.
“During her first season she had an immense impact on the competition, both on and off the field.
“She’s a fantastic leader who brings years of experience as a professional athlete at the highest level.
“Erin’s had an incredibly positive influence on our Club in a short time and we look forward to seeing what she can do next season.”
Phillips will stay in the US with her family until November when she will return to Adelaide to commence pre-season training.
