VFL star Ethan "Easy" Phillips will finally make his debut for St Kilda VFL on Sunday.
The Saints have been seeking a transfer for more than a month with talks understood to have started following Round 1 of the VFL season in late March.
But there was a delay in securing his transfer as his incumbent club, Carlton refused to release him, with clearances requiring approval by both clubs.
He has been training with the Saints in recent weeks but has been unable to play.
“It's awesome. It was unexpected. I've known Ethan for numerous years coaching St Kevin's (given he's) a (St Kevin's Old Boy),” VFL coach Brendon Goddard told Zero Hanger.
“I've tried to get him for the last two years and we've had some healthy conversations and struck up a relationship. It's hugely pleasing. He's a great person, great leader and brings 95 games of experience at VFL level.”
Phillips, a former Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medalist who played one game for Hawthorn's AFL side is a huge acquisition for a Saints side which lacks experience.
He won Carlton's VFL best-and-fairest last year after trialling for a list spot in pre-season, but was overlooked for selection in Round 2, and has not played at VFL level since as all parties have sought a solution.
Behind Phillips, skipper Billy McGee-Galimberti is the most capped state league player with 32 appearances.
A classy defender with experience at Casey, Port Melbourne, Box Hill and Carlton, he will add important leadership to the line-up.
“Ethan has been in the shoes of our current VFL list for the last six to seven years so brings a wealth of experience he can pass on to a young list,” Goddard said.
“He'll be the eldest on our list by two years and 65 VFL games, and he spent a year on an AFL list.
“The performance side - we all know what his capable of. I'm more excited about what he can offer a young group who is crying out for older, wiser heads.
“Our young leadership group continues to grow and can learn off him.
“It will be exciting to see him don the Saints jumper.”
St Kilda take on Sandringham at 2.05pm on Sunday for the inaugural Trevor Barker Cup.
