Hawthorn have confirmed the signing of recent Box Hill addition Ethan Phillips via the Supplemental Selection Period.
The Hawks opened up a list spot on Monday by moving defender James Blanck to the inactive list in the wake of his season-ending ACL injury.
Phillips joined Box Hill from Port Melbourne over the off-season following a strong few seasons with the Borough, having won the 2022 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the competition's best young player.
The intercepting defender now finds himself on an AFL list, with Hawthorn acting swiftly to sign the 24-year-old ahead of Monday's SSP deadline.
"Having showcased his trade against AFL-listed forwards in the VFL, we believe Ethan is more than ready to take this next step," Hawks list manager Mark McKenzie said.
"Deemed the VFL's best intercept defender in 2022, Ethan has a remarkable ability to read the game and demonstrates a strong commitment to the one-on-one contest.
"Ethan's journey from being overlooked in previous years to now realising his dream of playing in the AFL encapsulates a story of determination, perseverance and hard work.
"A readymade key defensive option, he now has the opportunity to further develop his skills and make an impact at AFL level."
While Phillips is yet to play for Box Hill, the mature-aged recruit joins the likes of Blanck, Jai Newcombe, Fergus Greene and Lachie Bramble in earning a promotion to the senior side in recent years.
Phillips averaged 11 intercept possessions, 4.9 intercept marks, 4.6 spoils and 17.6 disposals at 83.2% efficiency in his 18 games for Port Melbourne last year.
