Three-time AFLW premiership icon Erin Phillips reminded the footy world of her ball-winning prowess, running rampant for Marong Football Netball Club last Sunday as part of The Carlton Draft.
Phillips suited up as the third of six former AFL and AFLW players to make anticipated returns to local football in 2024, all part of this year’s rendition of the initiative — offering the ultimate opportunity for community footy clubs across Victoria to draft an ex-AFL legend as their new teammate.
The former Adelaide and Port Adelaide midfielder followed in the footsteps of triple Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin and Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd — who weren’t quite as prolific as Phillips in their returns.
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While Marong had a tough go of it at the weekend — registering one goal for the afternoon en route to a 113-point defeat — Phillips left defenders in her wake, recording a staggering 46 disposals against Central Victorian Football League opponent Golden Square.
“(She amassed) 46 disposals — that’s clearly a Carlton Draft record I think; a lazy 46 for Marong against Golden Square in the Central Victorian Football League,” Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane noted on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“Marong are on the bottom of the ladder, but there is an 84-point turnaround from the last time these two teams met. It was 199-0 last time; this time it was 121-6, so Erin did a fantastic job – what a star.
“Outstanding, and how good would it have been having Erin (play alongside them).”
“Almost too dominant there, Macca,” Herald Sun colleague Jon Ralph added.
Fellow Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark threw the spotlight over to a pair of former AFL star midfielders up next.
“I tell you; she’s set a high bar for Isaac Smith and Leigh Montagna who are up next — Montagna’s going to need a lot of kick-ins if he’s going to beat 46 possessions,” Clark said.
“Well done to Erin Phillips, a basketball and football superstar – we take our hats off to you of course in the Carlton Draft.”
Norm Smith medallist Isaac Smith is set to lace up his boots for Bunyip as it takes on Garfield Football Club on Saturday, July 13, while 287-game St Kilda great Leigh Montagna will throw on a Castlemaine guernsey on August 10 when it faces Kangaroo Flat.
Former Giant and Blue Dylan Buckley rounds out this year’s Carlton Draft crop; preparing to run out for Toora against Yinnar Football Club on July 20.