Adelaide’s triumph will inspire SA girls, says grand final champion Erin Phillips

ADELAIDE premiership co-captain Erin Phillips says securing the inaugural AFLW flag will inspire the next generation of SA girls to chase their football dreams.

Inspirational ... Erin Phillips signs autographs for young fans at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Keryn Stevens

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ADELAIDE premiership co-captain Erin Phillips says securing the inaugural AFLW flag will inspire the next generation of SA girls to chase their football dreams.

The champion basketballer turned gun onballer was named best on ground in the Crows’ six-point grand final triumph over Brisbane Lions on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

It completed a remarkable journey for the combined SA/Northern Territory side which was widely tipped to struggle in the fledgling competition.

Phillips, who was a driving force in all eight of Adelaide’s matches throughout the campaign, said the triumph would pave the way for young females to pursue football careers.

“That’s what it’s all about really, inspiring the next generation,” Phillips said on Sunday, after arriving to a throng of supporters at Adelaide Airport.

“Looking at these young girls and thinking ‘gosh, they could be in our position some day’, is pretty special.

“We’ve got a job as athletes and women to keep growing this sport, and when we leave the game, leave it as high as we possibly can.

“It just goes to show how exciting this league is going to be.”

Fellow co-captain Chelsea Randall said post-match celebrations had been low key on Saturday night as players marked the flag win with family and friends at the team hotel.

The WA-born marquee player said her teammates would enjoy the premiership limelight before turning their attention to defending the title next year.

“It was a dream just to be an AFLW player, then to make it to the grand final was one thing and then to actually be premiers is just sensational,” midfielder Randall said.

“At the moment I guess it’s just about lapping all of this up, it’s been an incredible journey.

“We haven’t really had time to step back and reflect on what an amazing story this has been.

“We really look forward to embracing all of this now and next year will be what will be.”

Phillips and Randall have been nominated for the inaugural AFLW Most Valuable Player award, along with Crows’ veteran Courtney Cramey.

The award, as well as the most courageous player and best captain gongs, will be presented today in Melbourne.

While proud to be short-listed for the honour, Randall said the main prize had already been secured.

“We’ve had some incredible players in our Adelaide football team and we really wanted to win that game (grand final) for each other,” Randall, 25, said.

“But I guess the premiership cup is the pinnacle of everything.

“Any (individual) awards that may be won ... will be a bonus and a cherry on top.”

Originally published as Adelaide’s triumph will inspire SA girls, says grand final champion Erin Phillips