Andrew Phillips on decision to return to Lauderdale following AFL retirement

While he admits it was a tough call to make, Lauderdale recruit Andrew Phillips has lifted the lid on why he chose to return home.

Lauderdale president Andrew Lyden, recruit Andrew Phillips and playing coach Allen Christensen at SkyBus Oval on Thursday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

While he admits he spoke to a number of clubs about lacing up the boots next season, Lauderdale recruit Andrew Phillips says the pull to return home was one that was just too great to pass up.

The former GWS, Carlton and Essendon ruckman returned to SkyBus Oval on Thursday after putting pen to paper on a deal for next season in what will be a major addition to the Bombers midfield for the final year of the TSL.

Lauderdale Football Club signing of former AFL player Andrew Phillips for 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

With Lauderdale the club he was drafted by the Giants from back in 2010, the 32 year-old said they were always in the box seat to secure his services.

“It (coming back to Lauderdale) was probably the main option that I sort of had given this is where I was drafted from,” Phillips said.

“There was a bit to play out though and I heard out a few other clubs but ultimately the pull to come back here to some familiar faces was too strong.”

After producing a career-best season with Essendon this year, Phillips addition will no doubt have opposition ruckman already planning on how to stop the 201cm star.

And with coach Allen Christensen already having three-time Alastair Lynch medallist Sam Siggins at his disposal in the ruck, figuring out how he uses both players next year is likely to cause him a few headaches over the off-season.

Lauderdale's Sam Siggins, who was crowned the 2023 Tasmanian State League's Alastair Lynch Medalist, is set to form a deadly combination with Phillips next season. Picture: Linda Higginson.

“I love playing in the ruck but the way Sam is going I might not get a gig in there,” Phillips said.

“A few people have joked about being a stay at home forward but I think I’d want to play in the ruck too much.”

With Bryce Walsh the only remaining Bomber that played in Phillips last match for Lauderdale – round 17 in 2010 – the veteran was looking forward to playing with plenty of new faces but was also hoping another former teammate may return for 2024.

“Talking to a lot of the coaches and players I think we will give next year a really good shake which is really promising and exciting for me,” Phillips said.

“If we can get Thor (Boscott) back that would be nice. He was one that was here when I was around last.”