Journeyman Bombers ruckman Andrew Phillips has referred to as time on his AFL profession after 12 seasons throughout three golf equipment.
The GWS basis participant will retire on the season’s finish, with a need to maneuver again to his house state Tasmania along with his household after greater than a decade residing interstate.
The departure of Phillips, 32, could give the Bombers a greater alternative to safe uncontracted younger gun Nick Bryan on a brand new deal, with the previous second spherical choice annoyed by an absence of alternatives during the last two seasons.
Phillips has loved a career-best season, enjoying 17 video games and averaging 22 hit-outs as he shaped an influential early-season partnership with Sam Draper, who has missed a number of weeks with a hip damage.
The Lauderdale ruckman, who was taken by means of the rookie draft by the Giants the season earlier than they entered the AFL, has solely performed 79 video games over 12 seasons however has lengthy been recognised as a dependable possibility since a breakout marketing campaign in 2016, his first season with the Blues.
Since becoming a member of the Bombers on the finish of 2019, Phillips has performed 38 video games over 4 seasons.
“I’ve been privileged to represent three great football clubs over the journey and I’ll always have a soft spot for the club. I’ve loved my past four years here and it’s the people here who have made my time in the red and black so enjoyable,” Phillips stated.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that the most enjoyment you get out of football is working with your teammates and seeing them flourish. To be able to play alongside and guide my fellow rucks has been crucial to me enjoying my footy and I can’t wait to see what they achieve in their careers.
“I want to thank everyone, from my family to teammates, staff to supporters, who supported me throughout the journey. I wouldn’t be the player or person without you behind me.
“The time feels right to finish up and head home to Tassie. To my family, Teagan and the kids, thank you. You’ve been there for most of my career, I couldn’t fault your support and I love coming home to you, win or loss.”
Essendon might stand a greater probability of retaining Bryan following Phillips’ determination, significantly if coach Brad Scott persists with utilizing two specialist rucks in tandem.
Bryan has performed six matches this season, together with the previous 4 in Draper’s absence, impressing with 15 disposals, 29 hit-outs and 4 inside 50s within the slender loss to Sydney.
Scott has stated repeatedly this 12 months the 21-year-old is “too good” to play at VFL stage, however it’s understood Bryan was keen to maneuver elsewhere for extra alternative earlier than Draper’s damage.
Essendon soccer boss Josh Mahoney thanked Phillips for his contribution to the Bombers.
“While we are sad to see ‘Flip’ finish up, his career is the definition of resilience, having started as a rookie and playing 12 seasons at three clubs. We congratulate him on his career and thank him for his impact at Essendon,” Mahoney stated.
Source: www.news.com.au
