AFLW champion Erin Phillips has announced her retirement after a storied career across both Port Adelaide and Adelaide.
Phillips, who was initially signed to the Crows as cross-code rookie in the inaugural signing period back in 2016, is the game's most decorated player with three premierships, three All-Australian selections, two club best and fairests and two AFLW best and fairest awards.
She announced her retirement on Tuesday morning ahead of her final game on Saturday.
In an emotional press conference, Phillips reflected on her AFLW career, saying she was so glad she didn't "miss the boat" to play footy at the highest level.
"I'm not sure where I'd be without the AFLW," she said.
"I wish I could physically keep going and give this club more but I can honestly say I’ve given everything I can.
"I have so much belief in this [Port Adelaide] group and I cannot wait for the day when you guys are on the top of the mountain and I’ll be one of the proudest people in the world."
She also paid tribute to her parents and sisters, joking that she was relieved she would no longer have to "sort out 18 tickets every week".
Phillips said she knew the time was right to retire, with her body not feeling up to the rigours of weekly matches anymore.
She reflected on what it meant to follow in the footsteps of her father, Port Adelaide Magpies champion Greg Phillips.
"To my dad, thank you for teaching me this game, for spending time when I’m sure you we were tired and sore from your own training to teach me this game as a young girl, and even when you knew there was no future in it, you taught me anyway," she said.
"You are the reason why I love this game.
"I’m so proud that I got to play here, even more proud that I got to wear the same number as you."
After six seasons with Adelaide, Phillips made the move to Port Adelaide ahead of season seven to continue her family's legacy. She captained the Power for her two seasons at the club.
A famous footy name, Erin was thought to be lost to the game, but on the advent of the AFLW in 2017 she was able to follow in her dad's footsteps, even captaining Port Adelaide this season.
Phillips will retire after 66 games, 46 at the Crows and 20 at Port, and was named as captain in six of her eight seasons.
"The biggest thing I would like to do is take a little bit of time out to evaluate what's next," the 38-year-old said.
"I have been in an elite sporting environment since I was 16 years of age, which is longer than some of my teammates have been alive.
"I've always had this three year plan, and for the first time it's a little bit unknown - and I'm OK with that.
"It's a little bit (scary) because I've always been a very driven person, always had my ducks in a row."
