AFLW 2023: Erin Phillips backs Adelaide to win premiership

Days after she finished her career at Port Adelaide, Erin Phillips has revealed whether her allegiance will switch back to the arch rival.

AFLW champion Erin Phillips has tipped her former club Adelaide to win a fourth premiership in November. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Retired AFLW champion Erin Phillips says it’s “hard to see past” her former Crows as they begin their finals tilt towards a fourth premiership in eight seasons this weekend.

The three-time Adelaide premiership player will present the best-on-ground medal on grand final day, but the award will not take on her name – just yet.

After playing her final game for Port Adelaide on Saturday and bowing out of professional sport after a glittering 21-year career in basketball and football, Phillips said it was a “privilege” to have her legacy discussed as supporters push for an accolade to recognise her achievements.

“Just to be in those discussions first of all is really a privilege, but honestly, I don’t focus on those things. They only come into my mind when people talk about it,” Phillips said on Wednesday.

Erin Phillips will present the best-on-ground medal at the AFLW grand final after twice winning the award in her three premierships with Adelaide. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“I’m sure it will take care of itself … whoever gets the medals named after them, I’m sure they’ll deserve it.

“But that’s not something I’m really thinking about, and there’s so many people out there who deserve that recognition, and I’m sure the AFL will take care of that in due time.”

AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone reiterated her comments from last week that the league would move slowly towards acknowledging its greats fewer than seven years since its inception.

“We’re still growing the legacy, and Erin has been retired all of about 36 hours, and we’ll give her a bit more time,” Livingstone said.

“We’ve had other amazing foundation players as well … Daisy Pearce retired 12 months ago, she’s been an epic force in women’s football as well, and we’re forging ahead with our legacy as we speak.

“We will take our time to make sure that we honour whomever these awards will be named after in the right way.”

Phillips was unveiled as the best-on-ground medal presenter at the AFLW finals launch in Melbourne on Wednesday. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Phillips, whose career at the Crows and Power will be celebrated on grand final day along with other retiring players in a yet-to-be-revealed format, said it was difficult to see a rival upsetting the minor premiers on the road to the flag.

“Being close to Adelaide, I’ll be watching that first round against the Lions with a close eye … I’m sure that will be an absolute ripper game,” she said.

“It’s really hard to see past Adelaide at the moment. Anything’s possible, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Crows are there at the end.”

Phillips laughed off “rumours” she could be relocating to the US and be lost to football after her retirement.

“I’d love to stay involved in football in whatever capacity I can,” she said.

“I’ll go back to the United States for Christmas. There have been rumours that I’m leaving for good – that’s not true!

“But it’ll be nice just to have a little bit of a break. I’m sure there will be some great opportunities, and I’m sure I’ll take them, but for now I’m just looking forward to being a mother of four, taking (the kids) out to the grand final.

“If I’m doing any type of motorcade or anything, make sure it’s a really big Toyota that can fit all these kids.”

Originally published as AFLW 2023: Erin Phillips backs Adelaide to win premiership