ESSENDON leader Cat Phillips will sit out the 2023 season due to pregnancy.

Phillips, 31, is the second player to make the happy announcement in recent weeks, following Brisbane's Kate Lutkins.

An inaugural AFLW player with Melbourne as an ultimate frisbee-playing rookie, Phillips played all 10 matches for the Bombers last season as a winger, where her speed and endurance held her in good stead.

She has continued to play frisbee throughout her AFLW career, representing Australia in the world championships in the US last year.

Phillips has also played for St Kilda and Melbourne, and has recorded 54 games across her AFLW career to date.

"We are thrilled for Cat and (partner) Pete with the news they are expecting their first child," Essendon head of AFLW Aysha Ward said.

"Cat was an integral part of our inaugural season. We wish her all the best with her pregnancy, and we look forward to the leadership she will continue to provide our playing group off the field in season eight."

Darcy Guttridge, Catherine Phillips, Cat Phillips, Alice Burke and Nicola Xenos of the Saints celebrate during round eight, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

The Bombers will move Phillips to the inactive list and will be able to sign a replacement player for their squad of 30 before round one.

The Lions and North Melbourne (Danielle Hardiman retirement) also have spots to fill before the first weekend of September.

Pre-season commences on 29 May.