AFLW co-captain Erin Phillips has committed to the Adelaide Football Club for at least the 2019 season.
Phillips will sign on with the Club when the player signing window opens and has signaled her intent to stay for multiple years, meaning she looks likely to finish her AFLW playing career at the Crows.
The 32-year-old, who won the inaugural AFLW Best and Fairest and Crows Club Champion award, will return to the US with her family during the AFLW off-season to continue her role as an assistant coach with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA.
Phillips said she was looking forward to continuing her career with the Crows while also undertaking coaching and promotional activities for the Club and the League.
“I’m very happy at Adelaide and I’m excited to see what we can do in season 2019 and beyond,” Phillips said.
“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.
“The support for my family has been incredible and to be able to train and play where you grew up is really special.
"I'm going back to America, to Dallas, with my family and I'll continue my position as an assistant coach with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA – so I’m hoping Crows fans get behind us!
“It will be great to give my body a rest and spend more time with Tracy and the kids while also pursing my coaching career.
“I’ll then return to Australia refreshed and ready to take on the third season of the AFLW with the Crows.”
CEO Andrew Fagan said the Club was thrilled Phillips would be continuing her AFLW career as a Crow.
“Erin’s had an immense impact at the Club and on the wider AFLW competition and we’re delighted that she’ll be back for a least the 2019 season,” Fagan said.
“There’s no doubt that she is a fantastic leader and the work she has done both on and off the field, in inspiring so many young girls to watch or take up the sport, has been phenomenal.
“Erin has brought an incredible amount of professionalism and positivity to our AFLW team and we can’t wait to have her back and see what she can do next season.”
Phillips has a long list of sporting achievements including a decorated basketball career spanning 16 years.
The two-time Olympian has claimed a world championship gold medal and an Olympic silver medal with the Australian Opals.
She also spent nine years playing in the WNBA where she claimed two titles.
As well as taking out the highest individual honour at Club and League level in her first year of elite football, Phillips claimed the 2017 Players Association’s Most Valuable Player, 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.
Currently, AFLW clubs can only contract players on a season-by-season basis.
The official re-signing period for 2019 is yet to open.
The League is yet to determine the format of next year’s competition, which will increase to 10 teams with the addition of Geelong and North Melbourne.
