Reigning AFLW best and fairest winner, Erin Phillips, has signed a new deal with the Adelaide Crows for the 2018 season.
In an exciting move for the league, Phillips has also accepted a role as a high performance coach to work with the country’s best young players.
Phillips, a former WNBA and Opals star, recently announced her retirement from basketball. However, she will continue to work with the Dallas Wings as Director of Player and Franchise Development.
The 32-year-old won the inaugural league MVP, was co-captain of the Crows last season and also won the goal of the year award.
“Last season was truly a dream come true, so to be able to stay at Adelaide is fantastic. I really couldn’t imagine playing with any other team,” Phillips said.
“Having grown up in a sporting family watching Dad play football, it’s definitely always been something I wanted to do, so I was extremely grateful to have that opportunity and I can’t wait to pull the boots on again.
“With my retirement from playing in the WNBA, I’m looking forward to giving my body a rest and spending time with my family in Dallas before returning to Australia refreshed and ready to take on the second season of the AFLW.
“Right from the outset, I was blown away by how professional and committed the Crows are to women’s football.
“It’s a really positive environment at the Club with a great playing group and that’s certainly something I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of.”
Phillips has won two WNBA titles, an Olympic silver medal and now an AFLW premiership.