Erin Phillips retires: AFLW champion to hang up boots at end of 2023 season

Deep down, Erin Phillips knew it was time a long way out. The AFLW trailblazer opens up on her unmatched career, why the time is right and what might be around the corner.

Erin Phillips celebrates a goal with teammates. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It was after Port Adelaide’s Round 3 win over St Kilda this year that it dawned on Erin Phillips her playing days would likely end once the season finishes.

The AFLW’s most decorated player announced her retirement from the game, after she captains Port Adelaide in her 66th and final match this Saturday against GWS.

Phillips – who has been one of the biggest names in the AFLW with her three premierships, three All-Australian selections, two grand final best on grounds and two AFLW best and fairest and MVP awards at Adelaide – said she knew 2023 would be her last season for a while.

The 38-year-old said she could no longer be at the physical level she needed to be to continue playing the game.

Erin Phillips with her sister Amy, wife tracey, mum Julie, Sister Rachel and baby London, at Alberton Oval on Tuesday. Picture: Kelly barnes

“I kept things pretty open,” Phillips said.

“I think I came here on a two year deal hoping to honestly play one game and to get through two seasons I probably have felt somewhere deep inside that it was always going to be this year (that she retires).

“It was actually probably really evident after we won against St Kilda (in Round 3), the knees are even more sore and I thought that this was going to be the right time to get through the season and this has been something that Lauren (Arnell) and I have been chatting about.

“I spoke to my family and they have been very supportive.

“Honestly I physically couldn’t (go on), there’s a standard I want to set myself and I’m not at the level physically where I can be happy with any more.

“But I am just so grateful that I got so much out of my body.”

An emotional Phillips announced her retirement from the AFLW. Picture: Kelly Barnes

A trailblazer for women’s footy, Phillips’ list of achievements is extensive. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The football community hailed the impact of Phillips, who came to the sport after winning two WNBA titles and a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships in basketball, after her announcement.

Arnell, the Power’s AFLW coach, said Phillips was “one of the true greats of our game” and her “achievements in AFLW are unmatched”.

“She is the epitome of an elite cross-code athlete and a leader of Australian sport,” she said.

“She is a trailblazer of women’s sport and an inspiration to aspiring footballers and fans everywhere.”

Adelaide head of women’s football Phil Harper said Phillips had “a magnificent career”.

“At her best, she was the premier player in the competition and her achievements are unmatched,” he said.

“Her performances particularly in big games speak for themselves but the off-field leadership she brought to our team in its formative years was crucial.

“And along the way, she like many others at our club, have inspired a generation of young girls to play football and dream big.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said Phillips would retire as a champion of the game.

“Erin retires as a true champion of the AFLW. She set elite standards as a foundation player in the competition and has won almost everything there is to win in the AFLW,” Dillon said.

“Her unbelievable set of skills – kicking, marking, tackling and goal-scoring – were exemplary and she would always save her best for the big stage.”

Port Adelaide players watch Tuesday’s press conference. Picture: Kelly barnes

Phillips won three premierships at the Crows. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone said Phillips would go down as one of Australia’s greatest athletes.

“Erin was an outstanding junior footy player until she was prevented from playing footy as a girl. Coming back to the game after nine seasons in the WNBA – winning two championships and an Olympic silver medal for the Opals – Erin is one of Australia’s preeminent athletes,” Livingstone said.

Phillips has been involved as a coach in the Power’s men’s program across 2023 but she said her future plans were unknown at this stage.

“The biggest thing I would like to do is take a bit of time out to evaluate what comes next,” she said. “I have been in an elite sporting environment since I was 16, which is longer than some of my teammates have been alive.

“The hardest part will be to find something to do as much as I love playing football and competing so I will take some time and go back to the States with my wife Tracy and kids and figure out what is next.

“It is funny, I have always had a plan, I’ve always had a three-year plan and for the first time it is a bit unknown and I am OK with that.”

Originally published as Erin Phillips retires: AFLW champion to hang up boots at end of 2023 season