Erin Phillips set to play in 2024 Carlton Draft

Erin Phillips has already created plenty of history in women’s footy and now she’s set to make more when she pulls the boots on for a local team later this year. Here’s how your club can land her.

Erin Phillips will be the first woman to take part in the Carlton Draft.

Victoria’s local women’s footballers are set to face off against their toughest opponent yet — Erin Phillips.

The recently retired AFLW superstar will play in a one off game for a Victorian side later this year as part of the popular Carlton Draft initiative which sends the game’s greatest back to local level.

It will be a significant moment with the three-time AFLW premiership hero set to be the first female player to take part.

“Being the first woman is really exciting and hopefully many more follow after me,” Phillips said.

“I was just as comfortable as any of the boys with a Sherrin in my hand, but the pathway into elite football just didn’t exist for me once I turned 13.

“It’s amazing to see how much the women’s game has grown, but there is still plenty more work to do, I’m looking forward to getting among it and playing my best footy for my new club.”

Phillips hasn’t pulled the boots on since retiring last year.

Instead she’s been giving back to the next generation, coaching her junior club’s, SMOSH West Lakes’, under-8 girls side in the SANFL Juniors.

It’s a move which has seen her follow in her father Greg’s footsteps after he led the club’s inaugural A-Grade women’s side in 2019.

The team involves Phillips’ daughter, Brooklyn.

“I wanted to help the club out where I can and just put my hand up to coach her team,” Phillips said at the time of her appointment.

When it comes to playing again herself, Phillips will be faced with the unknown, not knowing where she will play until her team is decided.

She said her brother-in-law Shaun Burgoyne’s involvement in an earlier Carlton Draft pushed her to get involved.

“I’m usually a really planned person. I’ve got a lot of set goals and I kind of know what’s next,” Phillips said about playing for an unknown team.

“I didn’t expect to be playing footy or any sport so soon after retirement.

“Talking to the other participants who have done it before is ping a hammy in the first five minutes and be no good for the rest of the game.

“I’m kind of excited that it’s up to others to see what I play, I’m sure wherever I land it is going to be a great experience.”

The Carlton Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown said it is great to be branching into women’s football this year, and expects Erin to dominate at whichever lucky club drafts her in 2024.

“Erin is the type of player who will get involved with her teammates, kick some snags and put on a show for the community that won’t be forgotten,” Brown said.

“I am sure she will leave a lasting impact at whichever club she pulls the guernsey on for.”

Entries for the 2024 The Carlton Draft are now open for women’s teams across Victoria. To nominate your club, head to www.thecarltondraft.com.au.

Entries close May 26, with Phillips’ new club to be revealed on June 3.